In a recent development, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Michigan Chapter of CAIR (CAIR-MI) have strongly criticized the House of Representatives for its decision to censure Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the sole Palestinian-American Muslim woman serving in Congress. This move comes as a response to her outspoken support for Palestinian human rights and her call for a ceasefire following the tragic loss of over 10,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, including more than 4,800 innocent children.
The vote to censure Congresswoman Tlaib took place unexpectedly late at 10:24 PM, despite initial reports suggesting a different schedule. The outcome saw 234 members of Congress voting “YES” to censure Tlaib, with 212 Republicans and 22 Democrats in agreement. On the opposing side, 188 House Representatives voted “NO” to censure Tlaib, comprising 4 Republicans and 184 Democrats, while 4 House Representatives voted “PRESENT,” including 1 Republican and 3 Democrats.
Before the censure vote, Rep. Tlaib vocally opposed the suppression of her voice, stating, “I am the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, and my perspective is needed here now more than ever. I will not be silenced, and I will not let anyone distort my words.”
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CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad expressed his concerns in a statement, saying:
“The American Muslim community stands firmly against the hypocritical and racially motivated targeting of Representative Tlaib. Her voice is essential in representing the concerns of countless Americans who are deeply troubled by the government’s support of war crimes against the Palestinian people. She should wear this undeserved censure as a badge of honor. We will not be silenced by those attempting to stifle our voices.”
Awad went on to criticize both Republicans and Democrats in the House for orchestrating the suppression and censure of the only Muslim Palestinian voice in Congress while disregarding openly racist, bigoted, and violent remarks made by other members of Congress against Muslims and Palestinians, urging them to reconsider their actions.
In another statement, CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid commented:
“Michigan’s Muslim community proudly stands with Congresswoman Tlaib as she champions the human rights and dignity of all people, including Palestinians. This censure sets a troubling precedent of political intimidation. After Congresswoman Omar’s similar censure for speaking truth to power in Washington, it reinforces the perception that any Muslim member of Congress who dares to challenge the establishment will face suppression.”
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Walid also pointed out the glaring hypocrisy of Congress’s swift action to censure Representative Tlaib while hesitating to censure Representative Brian Mast for his racist comments, equating Palestinian civilians with Nazis. He emphasized that such remarks not only endorse violence against Palestinians in Gaza but also pose a threat to the safety of Muslims and Arabs in the United States, highlighting a lack of consistency in Congress’s commitment to fairness and justice.
In the background, Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA) proposed H.Res 845 to censure Rep. Tlaib for her impassioned stand against Israel’s inhumane actions. Conversely, House Representatives like Brian Mast (R-FL) have made inappropriate comparisons between Palestinians and Nazis, behavior unbecoming of a congressman that not only incites violence in Gaza but also endangers the safety and security of Muslims and Arabs in the United States.
CAIR had previously called upon all House Representatives to “VOTE YES” to censure Rep. Mast for his racist remarks and to “VOTE NO” on censure resolutions unjustly targeting Rep. Tlaib.
CAIR remains committed to safeguarding civil rights, promoting a better understanding of Islam, advocating for justice, and empowering American Muslims.
