Greene moves to force vote on Tlaib censure for ‘antisemitic activity’

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., moved to force a censuring vote against Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. on Thursday. She accused the Michigan Democrat “antisemitic activities” and “sympathizing terrorist organizations.”

Greene brought the measure up as a special resolution on Thursday morning. This forces the chambers to act within two legislative days. The leadership can bring the measure up for a vote, or move to table it. Both require majority support. House lawmakers will leave Washington Thursday evening, and return on Wednesday.

Mike Johnson, R-La., will have to decide how he wants to deal with the censure motion. Mike Johnson (R-La) was elected as the new Speaker on Wednesday, after a three-week battle over who would replace Kevin McCarthy (R – California).

This will also be a test to Democrats who have criticised Tlaib for her recent remarks.

Tlaib, the first woman of Palestinian descent in Congress, has made a number of comments about Israel and Palestine as well as Jewish people. The three-page document lists these previous remarks. The three-page resolution includes comments Tlaib made after the Hamas surprise attack on Israel earlier this month, a terrorist group designated by the United States.

Tlaib said in a press release on Oct. 8, a day after Hamas’ attack, that “the path towards that future includes lifting the blockade and ending the occupation and dismantling apartheid that creates suffocating and dehumanizing circumstances that can lead resistance.” He added, “failing to recognize the violent realities of living under occupation and apartheid, makes no one any safer.”

This statement drew harsh criticism from House Democrats, including Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog. Herzog wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “How much blood will it take for you to get over your prejudice and condemn Hamas as a U.S. designated terror group?”

Greene’s Resolution stated that Tlaib said these comments “instead” of denouncing Hamas for killing Israelis and demanding release of all Hamas hostages.

Tlaib is also accused of “leading an armed insurrection in the United States Capitol Complex”, following a demonstration in a Capitol building last week, in support of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The Jewish Voice for Peace, IfNotNow and other organizations organized the protest. It resulted in multiple arrests.

Tlaib was not present at the rally according to a person familiar with the situation. She spoke at a protest after the outbreak of war, calling for a truce.

Tlaib stated in a Thursday statement that Greene’s ‘unhinged resolution’ is deeply Islamophobic, and attacks peaceful Jewish Anti-War advocates.

“I stand proudly in solidarity with Jewish peace activists calling for a cessation of violence and a ceasefire. “I will not allow myself to be intimidated, dehumanized or silenced,” she said.