Schneider Statement on Vote to Censure Rashida Tlaib

Statement

"Congresswoman Tlaib has repeatedly insisted on using inflammatory language that dangerously amplifies Hamas propaganda and disinformation. Last month, she repeated and then stood by the blood libel that Israel was responsible for the explosion at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which US intelligence has determined came from PIJ terrorists. Then, last week, she posted a video amplifying protestors chants of "from the river to the sea,' a phrase used by many, including Hamas, as a rallying cry for the destruction of the State of Israel and genocide of the Jewish people. Rep. Tlaib most certainly understands the import and impact of her words and yet still chooses to use them anyway.

We are at an exceedingly perilous moment, when emotions and intentions are on a razor's edge. I believe that Members of Congress should be free to express their opinions, no matter how distasteful they may be. I also believe they have a duty to express the values and priorities of their districts. What distinguishes the speech of elected officials is the trust instilled in us by the people who vote for us. Members of Congress have an extra responsibility to measure our words: we should not rush to judgement or throw gasoline on fires. When we misspeak, we must not stubbornly reject our critics or indignantly stand by our mistakes.

I recognize this censure resolution is not a perfect resolution in its language or form, but unfortunately it is the only vehicle available to formally rebuke the dangerous disinformation and aspersions that Rep. Tlaib continues to use and defend. I feel that I have no other recourse but to vote to censure her.

Irrespective of this vote, I do recognize the pain and emotion of all people who are watching events of the past month in Israel and Gaza, especially those with a personal connection. I hold fast to my dream that Israelis and Palestinians will one day live in peace and prosperity side-by-side. I believe that both the Congresswoman and I share in a desire to bring the conflict to an end. However, I do not believe that an end is possible so long as Hamas is in power and holding more than 240 hostages. Nor do I believe that the language Rep. Tlaib has chosen to use will propel us to an appropriate end, it will only amplify terrorism and push hopes for peace further away."

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