In a symbolic move, the House of Representatives has voted to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., following her recent anti-Israel comments. The vote, which took place on Tuesday night, saw a majority of 234 – 188 in favor of the censure. This public rebuke comes in response to Tlaib’s remarks made in the aftermath of Israel’s conflict with Hamas, where she accused President Biden of supporting the “genocide” of Palestinians.
The censure motion was introduced by freshman Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., and received support from both Republicans and some Democrats. Twenty-two Democrats joined 212 Republicans in voting for the censure, while four GOP lawmakers voted against it. Four lawmakers chose to vote present. McCormick argued on the House floor that Tlaib’s comments were deserving of censure, stating, “If this is not worthy of censure, what is? When you can call for the annihilation of a country and its people, if that’s not worthy of a censure, what is?”
Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, has faced bipartisan criticism for sharing a video on social media that included the phrase “From the river to the sea,” a pro-Palestinian liberation slogan. Critics argue that this rallying cry implicitly calls for the destruction of Israel as a state. The Anti-Defamation League has labeled it as an antisemitic charge denying the Jewish right to self-determination.
Despite the backlash, Tlaib remains unrepentant, defending her use of the phrase as a criticism of the Israeli government rather than an attack on Jewish people. She stated on the House floor, “It is important to separate people and governments. The idea that criticizing the Israeli government is antisemitic sets a dangerous precedent.”
This is not the first attempt to censure Tlaib. A previous resolution brought by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., failed to advance to a vote last week. However, the successful censure vote highlights the bipartisan concern over Tlaib’s comments and their impact on U.S.-Israel relations.
The censure itself is largely symbolic, carrying no immediate consequences for Tlaib. However, it serves as a public condemnation of her statements and underscores the ongoing debate surrounding U.S. support for Israel. Tlaib’s defiance and the divided reactions within Congress further highlight the deep divisions and complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for FOX News, specializing in coverage on Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Her previous work can be found at Daily Mail and CBS News. She can be followed on Twitter at @liz_elkind, and tips can be sent to [email protected].
