House Republicans are taking decisive action to censure Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, for her shocking comments branding Israel as a “racist state.”
The bold move comes after Jayapal’s divisive remarks, which she later backtracked, and her vote in favor of a GOP-led resolution that firmly affirms Israel is not a racist or apartheid state.
Democrat Rep. Pramila Jayapal attempts to appease so-called "Free Palestine" protesters after they hijacked a leftist conference: "We have been fighting to make it clear that Israel is a racist state!" pic.twitter.com/9p2aX6uh4F
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 15, 2023
This critical vote took place just moments before President Isaac Herzog delivered a crucial address to Congress.
The censure resolution, spearheaded by Reps. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), and Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), is a resolute stand against the troubling rhetoric emerging from the progressive camp.
Though it remains uncertain if House leaders will bring the resolution to a floor vote, this resolute response underscores Republicans’ vigilance in safeguarding the longstanding friendship between the United States and Israel.
Jayapal’s comments were made during a Netroots Nation panel, where she brazenly labeled Israel as a “racist state” and cast doubt on the viability of a two-state solution.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) July 16, 2023
Despite her subsequent attempts to downplay her remarks, the damage was done. Even House Democratic leaders joined 43 of Jayapal’s colleagues in criticizing her comments as “unacceptable.”
INBOX: Joint House Democratic leadership statement rejecting Jayapal's comments on Israel. "Israel is not a racist state… We are determined to make sure support for Israel in the Congress remains strongly bipartisan." pic.twitter.com/fRdXQ9fJhl
— Marc Rod (@marcrod97) July 16, 2023
Moreover, her stance prompted the House to pass a resolution reaffirming support for Israel—a resolution that faced opposition from nine progressive Democrats, exposing further divisions within the Democratic Party on the matter.
