Three House Republicans introduced a resolution âcondemning and censuringâ members of the âSquad.â
Reps. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) accused Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) of âdefending terrorist organizations and inciting anti-Semitic attacks across the United States.â
They noted the four Democrats have referred to Israel as an âapartheid state.â The Republicans mentioned Omarâs latest comments on the United States and Israel, seemingly equating them to Hamas and the Taliban.
They also pointed out Tlaib has accused Israelâs government of âethnic cleansingâ against Palestinians.
âWe cannot turn a blind eye to Members of Congress openly defending terrorist attacks by Hamas against our close ally Israel nor their dangerous rhetoric which has contributed to anti-Semitic attacks across the country,â Waltz said in a statement.
Banks argued the four Democrats âhave repeatedly denigrated America and our closest ally,â adding, âDemocrat leadership finally responded to their unhinged comments last weekâwith a press release. Actions speak louder than squishy words. Speaker Pelosi can let members vote on our resolution, or she can cover for the Hamas Caucus and their anti-Israel and anti-American rhetoric. Weâll see.â
Tenney claimed it is ânot out of character for âThe Squad,â who have made a habit of trafficking in anti-Semitic rhetoric.â
She went on, âTheir actions have been completely unchecked by Democratic leadership in the House, even as vile attacks against Jewish Americans are rising. Enough is enough. Anti-Semitism has no place in Congress or the Democratic Party. Speaker Pelosi wonât stand up and take action, which is why Iâm honored to do so today alongside Congressmen Waltz and Banks. We are sending a clear message that this type of rhetoric is unacceptable.â
Omar announced last week she was receiving threats after saying, âWe have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban,â as IJR reported.
Axios noted she was referencing International Criminal Court investigations. A group of 12 Jewish House Democrats called her statement âas offensive as it is misguided.â
She later defended herself, âCiting an open case against Israel, US, Hamas and Taliban in the ICC isnât comparison or from âdeeply seated prejudice.'â
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other Democratic leaders appeared to denounce Omarâs remarks, as IJR reported.
Still, Pelosi told CNN, âWe did not rebuke her. We acknowledged that she made a clarification.â She also called Omar âa valued member of our caucus.â
