U.S. House Set To Vote On Resolution Against Anti-Semitism, After Rep. Omar Tweets
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are expected to hold a floor vote condemning Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar for what they say are anti-Semitic remarks.
The rebuke comes as Omar faces a new controversy and threats. Omar is facing criticism for her remarks last week that those who are pro-Israel have "allegiance to a foreign country."
For Omar, this is the latest example of her being called out. The resolution drafted by House Democratic leaders doesn't explicitly name her, but there seems little doubt about who it's aimed at.
"I can't think of the last time we saw a resolution like this," professor and political analyst David Schultz said.
Even President Donald Trump has weighed in, tweeting that Omar's latest remarks were "a dark day for Israel."
Omar has defended her statement, firing back at New York Democratic Congresswoman Nita Lowey.
"Our democracy is built on debate, Congresswoman! I should not be expected to have allegiance/pledge support to a foreign country in order to serve my country in Congress or serve on committee," Omar tweeted. "The people of the 5th elected me to serve their interest. I am sure we agree on that!"
"She seems to be alienating many members of the Democratic Party in the leadership, which could very well hurt her in terms of bringing money back to Minnesota," Schultz said.
Schultz says the controversy could leave the freshman Congresswoman open to a primary challenge in 2020.
"If she continues to alienate some of the voters in her district, I think she faces a real challenge," he said.
This comes as Omar continues to find herself a target. The FBI is looking into a graffiti threat in a Rogers gas station restroom, and at the West Virginia State House a poster falsely linking Omar to the 9/11 attacks caused a fistfight.
One fellow member of Congress who has rushed to her defense is fellow freshman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who tweeted "Where are the resolutions against homophobic statements? For anti-blackness? For xenophobia?"
Also, more than 20 Minnesota state representatives, Minneapolis City Council members, park board officials and other elected leaders say they stand with Omar as she faces "smears" for her views. The statement from Minnesota officials doesn't specifically address Omar's statements, but it calls on Democrats to stand with Omar and against Republican efforts to "pit Jews and Muslims against each other." It also denounces recent anti-Muslim rhetoric targeting Omar.
There is also an apparent push back by younger, more progressive-leaning Democrats in favor of Omar. We are likely to see that play out in the next few days.
Omar is currently on a Congressional trip to the African country of Eritrea. WCCO reached out to her staff to see if she had any comment but did not hear back.
The resolution condemning Omar by fellow Democrats was supposed to be introduced on Tuesday, but there are some reports it could happen later this week.
Omar represents eastern Hennepin County and parts of Anoka County and Ramsey County.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
