In a surprising turn of events, several Republicans have sided with Democrats in a vote to set aside a resolution to censure Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
The resolution, proposed by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, was dismissed by Tlaib as "unhinged" and "deeply Islamophobic."
The censure resolution accused Tlaib of leading an insurrection at the United States Capitol Complex on October 18, 2023, a claim that some Republican lawmakers disputed. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky took to Twitter to express his disagreement. "January 6 protestors were not insurrectionists, nor were those led by Rep. Tlaib. I voted to table a censure resolution of Rep Tlaib in part because it was modeled after legislation that condemned J6 protestors. Also: Free speech means protecting even the speech you don't like," he tweeted.
Representative Chip Roy of Texas labeled the resolution as "feckless." He acknowledged Tlaib's controversial remarks towards Israel and the Jewish community, stating, "Rep. Rashida Tlaib has repeatedly made outrageous remarks toward Israel and the Jewish people. Her conduct is unbecoming of a member of Congress and certainly worthy of condemnation - if not censure." However, he criticized the resolution for its "legally and factually unverified claims," including the insurrection allegation.
While initial counts suggested that 23 House Republicans voted to shelve the censure resolution, Representative Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, who initially voted to table the resolution, later indicated that he had changed his vote in favor of the resolution. "This evening, I inadvertently voted to table the motion to censure Rep. Tlaib who is vocally supportive of the terrorist organization, Hamas. As soon as I realized my error, I changed my vote to reflect that I do not support antisemites anywhere, especially in Congress," a tweet from Van Orden's press office stated.
Greene, however, expressed her disappointment with her fellow Republicans who voted to table the resolution. "This is why Republicans NEVER do anything to stop the communists Democrats or ever hold anyone accountable!! PATHETIC," she tweeted, criticizing what she perceives as a lack of action against the Democrats.
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