House Republicans are trying to devise a plan to remove Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee after hearing from many GOP members that they would vote against the measure in a floor vote.
The Washington Times reported on Monday that a “backdoor” method is being considered, such as having just members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee vote, assuming the House Rules Committee deems such a move appropriate.
Democrats could attempt to reverse the committee’s action through a vote on the House floor, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy could prevent such a motion.
Omar continued to defend herself over the weekend for anti-Semitic comments she made about Israel in the past, which is the rationale Republicans are using to potentially remove her from the prestigious committee assignment.
The Minnesota progressive stated on CNN, “I certainly did not know or was unaware that “hypnotized” was a trope.” I was unaware that there are stereotypes regarding Jews and money. This portion of the adventure has been really enlightening.
House Republicans are trying to devise a plan to remove Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee after many Republicans suggested they would vote against the move if a vote were held on the floor.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy remained committed to removing Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee, but it appeared he lacked the floor votes to do it.
During a news conference this week, Omar also noted that the comments were made during her first weeks in Congress in 2019, and that she has since apologized.
“I have rectified the issue, and I apologize. Omar stated, “It’s been two and a half terms since then.”
McCarthy remained however determined to remove her from the committee.
‘Now, Congresswoman Omar, as a member of Congress, she stated that people only love Israel for the Benjamins. On 9/11, she stated, “Something happened here.” McCarty told The Washington Times that she linked the U.S. military and Israeli security forces to Hamas. ‘She is even asserting this to others in the Middle East,’ McCarty added.
But it is more and more likely that he lacks the necessary votes.
Representatives Nancy Mace, Victoria Spartz, and Ken Buck have all signaled that they will vote against Omar’s removal.
Buck stated on Friday’s Meet the Press NOW, “I do not believe we should engage in this sniping.” I am opposed to Congresswoman Omar’s selection or removal from the committee.
In addition, Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who effectively wrecked McCarthy’s candidacy for speakership, stated he was ‘undecided’ in a Monday evening television appearance.
Rep. Greg Steube, a Florida Republican who just fell from a ladder while trimming trees at his house and is healing from several injuries, would not support McCarthy either.
As part of their anti-COVID stance, the new Republican majority in the House voted to eliminate proxy voting and Zoom participation in committee hearings as part of their rules package.
McCarthy dismissed Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee last week, a move that did not require a vote of the entire House.
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