Here’s to political KARMA…even if it causes tears…
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic congresswoman from Michigan, delivered a passionate address on the House floor in response to a resolution seeking to censure her. The resolution comes as a result of Tlaib’s previous defense of the rallying cry “from the river to the sea,” which is used by Palestinian militants.
Tlaib made a fervent declaration on the House floor, vowing not to be silenced. As the only Palestinian-American in Congress, she argued that her perspective is crucial in the current political climate. Tlaib emphasized that her criticisms have consistently been directed at the Israeli government, not the Israeli people. She voiced concern about the dangerous precedent of equating criticism of the Israeli government with anti-Semitism.
The congresswoman stressed the humanity of the Palestinian people, holding up a photo of her grandmother, who resides in the Palestinian territory. Tlaib underscored her commitment to advocating for the freedom and human dignity that all Palestinians deserve.
The House voted to censure Rep. Tlaib, a significant number of Republicans aligned with Democrats on the issue of free speech concerns. A move to table the resolution failed, resulting in a 208-213 vote. While most Democrats, including those who had expressed concerns about Tlaib’s statements, voted to table the resolution, it will proceed to a final vote.
Six Republicans joined Democrats in tabling the resolution, and one Democrat voted ‘present.’ Notably, the resolution was saved by several Democratic absences.
A statement condemning the use of the phrase “from the river to the sea” was signed by 70 Democrats, led by Rep. Brad Schneider. They regarded it as a rallying cry for the destruction of the State of Israel and the genocide of the Jewish people.
Some Republicans opposed the censure resolution, citing concerns about free speech and deeming it a futile endeavor. They argued that differences of opinion and factual errors should be resolved by voters rather than censure.
Rep. Rich McCormick, a Republican from Georgia, initiated the censure resolution, focusing on Tlaib’s alleged spread of false narratives concerning a Hamas attack on Israel and her use of the controversial phrase. The resolution does not address the ceasefire protest, and its primary concern is Tlaib’s portrayal of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Tlaib criticized her colleagues for focusing on silencing her rather than addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the death toll has risen significantly. She also called for a ceasefire.
Rep. Sara Jacobs, a Democratic congresswoman from California, introduced a retaliatory resolution to censure Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican from Florida, for comparing Palestinian civilians to Nazis in a recent speech. Jacobs’ resolution highlights inflammatory statements regarding innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Mast’s comments had drawn attention for equating innocent Nazi civilians with innocent Palestinian civilians.
JUST IN: Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib starts crying on the House floor and needs Ilhan Omar to comfort her as the House votes to censure her for her anti-Israel comments.
“I can’t believe I have to say this, but pa…Palestinian people are not disposable.”
*Sniffle sniffle* as… pic.twitter.com/hXCdNLQhRW
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 7, 2023
