Unexpected Alliance: Republicans Join Democrats to Block Censure Resolution Against Rep. Rashida Tlaib's Criticism of Israel

In a surprising turn of events, more than 20 Republicans joined forces with House Democrats to block a resolution to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) for her criticism of Israel. The procedural motion passed in a 222-186 vote, effectively preventing the disciplinary resolution from reaching the floor. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), a conservative Republican, had initiated the censure resolution, accusing Tlaib of "antisemitic activity" and "leading an insurrection" following her statements about U.S. arms supply to Israel and her participation in an anti-war protest at the Capitol.

The protest, organized by Jewish groups, called for a cease-fire in response to Hamas launching a deadly attack against Israel. The rejection of the censure resolution came as a surprise, considering the harsh criticism Tlaib has faced from the House GOP. Tlaib, as the only Palestinian American member of Congress, has been vocal about her concerns over Israeli policies, including the blockade, occupation, and what she referred to as an apartheid system. Israel's major bombardment of Hamas-controlled Gaza, which came in response to the terrorist group's attacks, resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people in Israel, including hundreds of civilians.

The violence has claimed the lives of more than 8,500 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. Greene expressed her disappointment with the Republicans who voted against the censure resolution, referring to them as "feckless." She criticized their lack of action to hold Democrats accountable, claiming that it perpetuates the influence of the "communist Democrats."

The 23 Republicans who voted to block the censure resolution are: Rep. Kelly Armstrong (N.D.), Rep. Ken Buck (Colo.), Rep. John Duarte (Calif.), Rep. Chuck Edwards (N.C.), Rep. Morgan Griffith (Va.), Rep. Glenn Grothman (Wis.), Rep. Harriet Hageman (Wyo.), Rep. Bill Huizenga (Mich.), Rep. Darrell Issa (Calif.), Rep. Dusty Johnson (S.D.), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (Calif.), Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.), Rep. Tom McClintock (Calif.), Rep. Richard McCormick (Ga.), Rep. Max Miller (Ohio), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa), Rep. John Moolenaar (Mich.), Rep. Chip Roy (Texas), Rep. Austin Scott (Ga.), Rep. Victoria Spartz (Ind.), Rep. Michael Turner (Ohio), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (Wis.), and Rep. Timothy Walberg (Mich.) - with Greene later clarifying that Van Orden voted "yes mistakenly and changed his vote."

The rejection of the censure resolution highlights the complexities and divisions within the House of Representatives when it comes to addressing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also draws attention to the importance of free speech, individual responses denouncing harmful speech, and the need to focus on pressing domestic and international issues that impact working people.