Byron Donalds indicates ‘yes’ vote on Rashida Tlaib censure
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds indicated Friday he would vote in favor of censuring Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., following her comments towards Israel.
“I have no personal animus towards Rep. Tlaib but frankly her recent commentary towards Israel has been vile,” Donalds said on X. “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East. Hamas is barbaric terrorist organization that beheaded babies. If a censure vote hits the floor, I will be voting YES.”
Surrounded by reporters, Donalds expressed he is cordial around Tlaib and has “no personal animus” to the congresswoman despite her comments.
A member of “The Squad,” Tlaib has been accused by Republican congressional leaders of expressing “antisemitic activity” and “sympathizing with terrorist organizations” since Hamas’ surprise rocket attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7.
Associated with Tlaib, “The Squad” are far-left progressive members of the U.S. House of Representatives , including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.
Tlaib was one of nine House Democrats who voted against a resolution condemning the terrorist group. Others included Ocasio-Cortez and Omar, as well as Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., and Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo.
A day after Hamas’ attack, Tlaib released a statement calling for the Jewish state to end its occupation of Gaza and the Palestinian state.
“The path to that future must include lifting the blockade, ending the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid system that creates the suffocating, dehumanizing conditions that can lead to resistance,” Tlaib said. “The failure to recognize the violent reality of living under siege, occupation, and apartheid makes no one safer.”
Tlaib also draped a Palestinian flag outside her congressional office, prompting a reaction from Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla.
On Thursday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., proceeded to force a vote on the House floor to censure Tlaib. The legislation, or privileged resolution, compels the House to take action within two legislative days.
In reference to her statement, Greene criticized Tlaib for “instead of denouncing the horrors of Hamas slaughtering Israelis and demanding the release of all hostages held by Hamas.”
The measure also accuses Tlaib of indirectly leading an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol following a group of protestors calling for a Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
The move comes just as Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., was elected as Speaker of the House.
To censure Tlaib, a majority vote is required by House leadership. The resolution can also be motioned to table.
