Anti-Israeli sentiment was on display in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as a resolution urging nations to “normalize relations” with Israel so all in the region can “reap tangible security and economic benefits” was opposed by 18 Democrats and one Republican.
Pro-Israel congressional representatives introduced Resolution 311 as Israel commemorates the Holocaust and prepares to celebrate 75 years of being restored as a sovereign and independent nation. An excerpt states:
The United States encourages “the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords to urge other nations to normalize relations with Israel and ensure that existing agreements reap tangible security and economic benefits for the citizens of those countries and all peoples in the region.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) opposed the resolution, saying: “Ultimately, it didn’t make sense for me to vote for a bill that praises the foreign aid that I’ve voted against for the past ten years.”
Eighteen Democrats, including all “squad” members, opposed the resolution, which passed by a vote of 401 in favor, 19 opposed —15 representatives chose not to vote.
May 14 marks the 75th anniversary of the re-establishment of the state of Israel. Since then, the nation has flourished and remains the only truly democratic nation in the region.
Resolution 311 also “encourages the United States and Israel to continue to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation across the full spectrum of economic, security, and civilian issues” and “expresses continued support for security assistance to Israel as outlined in the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that Israel can defend itself by itself.”
The following Democrats opposed the Resolution:
- Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY)
- Rep. Cori Bush (MO)
- Rep. Andre Carson (IN)
- Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA)
- Rep. Jesus Garcia (IL)
- Rep. Summer Lee (PA)
- Rep. Betty McCollum (MO)
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY)
- Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN)
- Rep. Mark Pocan (WI)
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA)
- Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL)
- Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI)
- Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY)
Will Reinert, National Republican Congressional Committee national press secretary, blasted Democrats for voting against the resolution.
“Democrats proclaiming they support Israel is like saying you enjoyed a weekend at your in-laws: it’s not true, but it does keep you out of trouble.”
Reinert added: “From House Democrats’ widespread refusal to condemn Hakeem Jeffries’ defense of antisemites to last night’s extreme vote against honoring Israel, they are making their animosity toward the Jewish community crystal clear.”
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
