In rare vote, House sends a message on anti-Semitism to Ilhan Omar
The House on Wednesday unanimously passed a broad condemnation of anti-Semitism days after Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., received widespread criticism over her comments on Israel.
The language, which does not mention Omar by name, was approved 424-0 using a legislature procedure that lets the minority party make a last-minute motion to change legislation just before it's passed. The procedure almost never works for the minority party, in part because the minority usually tries to make radical changes to the bill that the majority quickly rejects.
On Wednesday, however, Republicans used the so-called "motion to recommit" vote to call for the addition of language to a resolution that states it is in the "national interests of the United States to combat anti-Semitism at home and abroad."
"With an unfortunate rise in anti-Semitism and attempts to delegitimize Israel, the United States House of Representatives must emphasize the importance of combating anti-Semitism and reject all movements that deny Israel’s right to exist," the amendment states.
The sponsor of the language, Rep. David Kustoff, R-Tenn., indicated the language was aimed at Omar, who has been criticized by both parties for comments they say amount to anti-Semitism.
“This horrific anti-Semitic tone being taken by some Members of Congress must come to an end," Kustoff said. "The language I offered affirms the United States’ interest in combating anti-Semitism at home and abroad, something my colleagues on both sides of the aisle should and must support. I am proud to stand today in solidarity with my Jewish community as this hate has no place in our country."
The House easily approved the proposal, marking the first time in several years that the motion to recommit worked.
The move by GOP lawmakers came after they repeatedly called on House Democrats to remove Omar from her Foreign Affairs Committee assignment, an act they lack the power to do themselves.
Omar was accused this week of peddling an anti-Semitic trope on Twitter that incorporated a slang reference to attack Jewish influence in politics. She apologized at the request of Democratic leaders, who publicly rebuked her.
Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., had threatened to take steps against House members who make anti-Semitic remarks, but did not provide specifics.