The House of Representatives has voted Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib officially convicted of condemning Israel after Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7.
Twenty-two Democrats joined Republicans to condemn the progressive Michigan lawmaker for a series of inflammatory comments.
She has also been criticized for using the pro-Palestinian chant “from the river to the sea,” which many consider an anti-Semitic call for the destruction of Israel.
Tlaib is the only Palestinian-American member of Congress and has heavily criticized both the Biden administration and Israel during the Gaza war.
A censure represents a strong rebuke of Tlaib, but carries no formal punishment.
In a defiant speech in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon, she accused her colleagues of trying to silence her.
More to follow
The House of Representatives has voted Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib officially convicted of condemning Israel after Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7.
‘My perspective is needed here now more than ever. I will not be silenced and I will not let you twist my words,” she said in an impassioned speech.
“There are millions of people in our country who do not support Netanyahu’s extremism and are tired of seeing our country support collective punishment,” she continued.
“My criticism has always been directed at the Israeli government,” Tlaib said. “The idea that criticizing the Israeli government is anti-Semitic sets a dangerous precedent.”
“I can’t believe I have to say this, but Palestinian people are not disposable. We are human beings. Just like my grandmother, just like all Palestinians, who just wants to live her life with the freedom and human dignity that we all deserve,” Tlaib continued, holding up a photo of her grandmother living on Palestinian territory.
