US Rep. Grace Meng issued the following statement on her no vote to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib:
“I unequivocally condemn the hurtful, inflammatory, and blatantly hateful words – from the river to the sea – Congresswoman Tlaib said this past weekend. My heart breaks for my Jewish community who has been through so much these past few weeks after Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack. Yesterday, I and 70 members joined Congressman Brad Schneider’s statement rejecting her words outright, knowing that it denies the humanity and existence of the Jewish people. It is important to know that the resolution itself contained no teeth and was ineffective. It did not rise to the same level as past censure votes – like for Congressman Schiff who was referred to the Ethics Committee, and Congressman Gosar who was removed from his committees.
My top priorities are securing emergency aid to Israel and the immediate release of all hostages being held in Gaza and bringing them home safely to their families. I even spoke directly to President Biden, who agreed with me that we need to pass his over $100 billion national security spending bill to get urgently needed aid to Israel. We’ve past the one-month mark of Israel’s war against Hamas, and it is imperative we send aid immediately. The president also reassured me that he is doing everything he can to combat the ugly surge of anti-Semitism, especially on our college campuses. While I strongly disagree with Tlaib’s remarks about Israel, the real consequence for her will be next year when voters decide whether her character and rhetoric is deserving of public office. Ultimately, they should have the final say on whether she is fit to serve them in these hallowed halls.”
