House Democrats are drawing up a resolution to rebuke Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., for her latest comments insisting that Jewish lawmakers who support Israel have a dual-loyalty problem.
According to Politico, Democrats intend to put the measure, which would likely have universal Republican support, to the floor on Wednesday.
The plan comes in response to Omar’s remarks suggesting that encouraging support for Israel amounts to advocating “allegiance to a foreign country,” a sentiment that was condemned by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., who called it another example of anti-Semitism.
Omar has repeatedly clashed with her Democratic colleagues over support for Israel, including Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y.
“Lawmakers must be able to debate [without] prejudice or bigotry,” Lowey tweeted. “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.”
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
Omar does have some support inside her caucus. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., condemned “racism and death threats thrown at my friend” as “acts of terrorism” after a poster at the West Virginia statehouse connected the freshman congresswoman to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., whose office has a world map with a Post-it note reading “Palestine” covering Israel, also tweeted in Omar’s defense.
The inhumane racism and death threats thrown at my friend Rep. @Ilhan are acts of terrorism. Period. We will overcome these threats to our humanity just like we’ve done time & time again. We are resilient. Ilhan – we got your back. https://t.co/IVOeFATIdw
— Rep Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) March 3, 2019
.@IlhanMN‘s strength inspires me and so many. She is being targeted just like many civil rights icons before us who spoke out about oppressive policies. As she uplifts my Sity and other Palestinians in the name of justice and peace, she shows us real courage. https://t.co/IItiZ8nkpt
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) March 4, 2019
If the resolution succeeds, it would be the second to pass the House in response to Israel-related comments made by Omar. Last month, House Republicans tabled a resolution condemning anti-Semitism that passed unanimously, including a vote from Omar.
