House Democrats Reportedly Clashed in Closed-Door Meeting Over Resolution Condemning Anti-Semitism
After pushing back a vote to condemn anti-Semitism scheduled Wednesday to at least Thursday, House Democrats broke out into a closed-door sprawl over whether a resolution is warranted. Several freshman House Democrats such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) pushed back on the resolution, which they claimed is an anti-Muslim assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN).
Omar is in the news for another controversial comment she made about the Israel lobby during a town hall in Washington’s Busboys & Poets last week, which the cafe had live-streamed on its Facebook page Friday.
Some Democrats, such as Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), said they will not sign a resolution condemning anti-Semitism if it specifically names Omar. Others see the resolution as a cave to Republican bait that ignores anti-Muslim bias.
“We need to have an equity in our outrage,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), according to sources for Politico who were present during the closed-door meeting. “Islamophobia needs to be included in this. We need to denounce all forms of hate. There is not hierarchy of hurt.”
“I represent the Muslim population, and they get attacked. I’ve worked with both communities,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). “This hatred that’s dividing this country is really, really disturbing, and we need to fight back on it, and not play into this issue.”
“I do not believe that Ilhan Omar is anti-Semitic,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). “I absolutely believe that she has become, as a result, a target. I think the Republicans love that, and frankly, I think the media loves to exploit the divisions.”
As House Democrats spoke loudly over each other in a full-out argument Wednesday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi tried to ease tension and explain what was happening. According to an unnamed senior Democratic staffer, she said the decision to vote on a resolution condemning anti-Semitism is not final, but it became a bit complicated with Omar’s trip to East Africa over the weekend.
Pelosi later told Fox News she was taken aback by the way her resolution was received by House members. According to congressional reporter Chad Pergram, some Democrats had also complained the pro-Israel lobby had too much influence within the Democratic Party.
The Speaker’s attempt to calm nerves was unsuccessful, as angry House members continued talking over her. Finally, she gave up.
“Well if you’re not going to listen to me, I’m done talking,” said Pelosi, as she put her microphone down and walked out of the room.
