Democratic Unease over Tlaib's Criticism of Israel Remains Unmatched by GOP Censure Attempts
House Democrats express concern over Rep Rashida Tlaib's critical remarks on Israel but refrain from endorsing GOP censure efforts, opting for a more measured response to her rhetoric
House Democrats are becoming increasingly concerned about Rep. Rashida Tlaib's critical remarks regarding Israel. However, they have refrained from stating that the Michigan Democrat should be censured for her rhetoric.
Tlaib, the sole Palestinian American member of Congress and a vocal critic of Israel, created controversy among her colleagues when she used an anti-Israel chant, "from the river to the sea," in a video accusing President Joe Biden of backing a Palestinian "genocide." Although this phrase is interpreted by many as a call for the extermination of Jews in Israel and has been utilized by Hamas as a rallying cry, Tlaib has defended her statements. She asserts that she perceives the phrase as "an aspirational appeal for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence—not death, destruction, or hatred."
During the caucus closed-door meeting on Tuesday, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark argued against the censure resolutions, as per a source informed CNN. Democratic Representative Brad Schneider of Illinois stated that House Democratic leadership's stance was to avoid dividing Congress.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed his concerns about Tlaib's use of the anti-Israel chant, affirming "of course I do" in response to a question by CNN. However, Jeffries did not provide an answer when asked if he has conveyed these concerns to the congresswoman.
Fellow Michigan Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens voiced her strong disagreement with Tlaib's utilization of the phrase but expressed her opposition to the concept of censure as well.
Two Republican lawmakers have introduced resolutions to censure Tlaib this week, as a previous attempt failed last week. GOP leadership must schedule a floor vote on these measures within two days.
"I have been extremely cautious due to the small size of our Michigan delegation, and our collaborative efforts," Stevens explained to CNN. "I don't want my responsibility to involve monitoring or reacting to anyone's statements."
Representative Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, expressed a similar viewpoint, stating her unease with Tlaib's rhetoric but asserting that censure resolutions do not benefit anyone on either side.
"I would refrain from using that language. However, it is vital to uphold freedom of speech as a fundamental right," Dingell remarked to reporters.
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, delivered a speech during a protest demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The demonstration took place near the Capitol in Washington. The event was captured by photographer Amanda Andrade-Rhoades, as seen in the accompanying photo.
Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/AP
Democratic Rep. Tlaib accuses Biden of supporting Palestinian genocide and warns of political ramifications
Dingell became emotional while discussing the fear experienced by her Jewish and Muslim constituents since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. "The level of hatred we are witnessing is extremely unnerving," she expressed. "The presence of death threats and the division in our communities is unacceptable."
Dingell added that she has personally encountered threats due to her position on the war.
"I experienced a threat yesterday. I was specifically targeted," she stated. "The intense pressure on everyone here to advocate for a ceasefire is overwhelming."
Democratic Representative Brad Schneider is sharing a statement denouncing Tlaib's recent remarks but did not explicitly endorse a motion for censure.
The Illinois lawmaker told CNN that individuals have the right to express their opinion without targeting anyone specifically. Additionally, Tlaib, who evaded reporters in the Capitol on Monday, still possesses the backing of her fellow progressive colleagues, commonly referred to as "the Squad."
Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York expressed to CNN the need to break free from the cycle of utilizing censure resolutions to focus on targeting members instead of actively participating in lawmaking.
Furthermore, there are indications that Republican backing for censuring Tlaib is on the rise.
Last week, 23 House Republicans voted against a censure resolution targeting Tlaib, which was initiated by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. However, Greene made some changes to her wording by removing the term "insurrection" and instead describing the recent pro-Palestinian protest at the Capitol as an "illegal occupation."
Furthermore, GOP Representative Richard McCormick from Georgia, who opposed Greene's resolution, introduced his own version of a censure resolution against Tlaib. McCormick's resolution specifically addressed Tlaib's more recent remarks criticizing Israel.
GOP Representative Chip Roy, a critic of Greene's resolution, expressed a willingness to support one of the new censure resolutions if it is approached correctly. In an interview with CNN, Roy stated, "They are moving in the right direction." Last week, the Texas Republican voted against Greene's censure resolution of Tlaib, asserting that it was an "error" to equate Tlaib's participation in a protest for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict with the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
However, there is at least one Republican, Colorado Rep. Ken Buck, who remains opposed to censuring Tlaib.
"We need to put an end to this nonsense, we need to cease censuring. It is inevitable that people will have differing opinions and occasionally overlook the facts. Let their voters make the judgment in such cases," stated Buck. "We will find other means to hold her accountable. Censuring is not the appropriate approach."
Lawmakers from different parties are engaged in a retaliatory exchange, triggered by the proposed censure of Tlaib. Recently, Democratic Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont initially introduced a resolution to censure Greene based on her history of provocative statements but eventually withdrew it. Furthermore, on Monday, Jewish Democrat Rep. Sara Jacobs from California filed a censure resolution against Florida's GOP Rep. Brian Mast for equating Palestinian civilians with Nazi civilians in his remarks.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
