US House passes vote to censure Rashida Tlaib over Gaza support
3 Min Read
Introduced by Congressman Rich McCormick, the resolution criticizes Tlaib for "promoting false narratives" regarding the events of October 7 and for "calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.
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Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., speaks during a rally at the National Mall during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP)
On Tuesday, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution to censure Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on the alleged basis of disseminating "false narratives" about the war on Gaza.
Introduced by Congressman Rich McCormick, the resolution was passed in a 234-to-188 vote, as McCormick criticized Tlaib for "promoting false narratives" regarding the events of October 7 and for "calling for the destruction of the state of Israel," per the text.
This resolution is mirroring the attempt by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene to censure Tlaib for being pro-Palestinian, but the House blocked it last week after almost two dozen House Republicans joined Democrats to avoid it from being considered.
I am the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, and my perspective is needed here now more than ever. I will not be silenced and I will not let anyone distort my words.
— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) November 7, 2023
I’m from Detroit, where I learned to speak truth to power, even if my voice shakes. pic.twitter.com/bXhGPCcKat
Greene introduced the resolution on October 26, accusing Tlaib of "antisemitic activity, sympathizing with terrorist organizations, and leading an insurrection at the US Capitol Complex". Tlaib called the resolution "deeply Islamophobic", adding: "I will continue to work for a just and lasting peace that upholds the human rights and dignity of all people, and ensures that no person, no child has to suffer or live in fear of violence."
Read more: US Congress members urge halt to 'Israel' funding amid Gaza bombing
She declined to apologize for her statement the previous day in which she held "Israel" responsible for the airstrike on a hospital in Gaza, an assertion that garnered strong criticism from Republicans.
Death threats
US Senator Marsha Blackburn echoed Greene's call for Tlaib’s expulsion from Congress.
In a post on X, Blackburn said: "Rashida Tlaib is a sitting member of Congress with alleged ties to Hamas terrorists. This should be investigated immediately, and if true, the House should move to expel her".
Rashida Tlaib is a sitting member of Congress with alleged ties to Hamas terrorists.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) November 7, 2023
This should be investigated immediately, and if true, the House should move to expel her.
Muslim congresswomen, such as Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, were briefed by the US Capitol Police and the House Sergeant at Arms regarding potential threats, in light of the situation.
The voicemails they received contained profanity-laced death threats, with one message referring to Omar as a "terrorist Muslim". Another threat suggested that a vigilante group had information about “all your addresses and handed them out to rapists.”
“I’m from a militant group,” the male caller of a third voicemail threatened. “I can’t wait ‘till our group sees you one day and I can rip your f------ rag off your head... I hope the Israelis kill every f------ one of you.”
