House Reportedly Planning Vote on Resolution to Condemn Anti-Semitism After Ilhan Omar Comments

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN_ is facing criticism from fellow Democrats again after comments she made at a recent event about “the political influence in this country that says it is okay to push for allegiance to a foreign country.” House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Eliot Engel (D-NY) put out a statement calling on her to apologize for “invoking a vile anti-Semitic slur.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) similarly denounced the comments and Omar responded:

Lawmakers must be able to debate w/o prejudice or bigotry. I am saddened that Rep. Omar continues to mischaracterize support for Israel. I urge her to retract this statement and engage in further dialogue with the Jewish community on why these comments are so hurtful.

— Nita Lowey (@NitaLowey) March 2, 2019

I have not mischaracterized our relationship with Israel, I have questioned it and that has been clear from my end.

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 3, 2019

A spokesperson for Congresswoman Omar said in a statement to The New York Times, “As she said in her apology, we must distinguish between criticism of a particular faith and fair critiques of lobbying groups. She has consistently spoken out about the undue influence of lobbying groups for foreign interests of all kinds and her comments were about just that. To suggest otherwise is an inaccurate reading of her remarks.”

But according to new reporting this afternoon, it looks like Democrats are preparing to vote on a resolution condemning anti-Semitism in response to Omar’s remarks. Per the Washington Post:

Top Democrats are debating whether the resolution will specifically condemn Omar’s remarks, which include suggesting that supporters of Israel have an “allegiance to a foreign country,” or condemn anti-Semitism generally. But House leaders are prepared to put the measure on the floor quickly once a decision is made, according to the people familiar with the talks, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss private deliberations. One said the vote will come as soon as Wednesday.

Several Democrats, including Engel, reportedly “worked through the weekend” on the resolution, which ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt publicly called for earlier today.

UPDATE –– 6:15 pm ET: Text of the resolution obtained by USA Today shows it does not mention Omar by name.

[featured photo via Kerem Yucel / AFP / Getty Images]