AOC delivers 'impassioned' speech in defense of Rep. Ilhan Omar on the House floor
On Thursday, Republicans voted to oust Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) from her seat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, citing antisemitism because of her criticism of Israel. In response, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) delivered an "impassioned speech" on the House floor decrying the decision.
"There is nothing consistent about the Republican Party's continued attack except for racism and incitement of violence against women of color in this body," said Ocasio-Cortez, alleging discrimination against Muslim-Americans.
"Don't tell me this is about a condemnation of antisemitic remarks when you have a member of the Republican caucus who has talked about Jewish space lasers and...[Republicans] elevated her to some of the highest committee assignments of this body," she continued, referring to remarks by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
AOC also referred to Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) who posted a graphic on social media depicting her being killed, only to be appointed to the Oversight and Accountability and Natural Resources committees, saying that the House "rewarded him."
She was not the only member to come to Omar's defense, writes NBC News. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) accused the House of holding Omar to a "double standard" because of her religious beliefs. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who is Jewish himself, remarked "This is the very weaponization of antisemitism that I as a Jewish person find repulsive, I find dangerous, and above else, shameful — yes, shameful."
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized, "This is about targeting women of color in the United States of America."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.
-
Try 6 free issues of The Week Junior
Spark your child's curiosity with The Week Junior - the award-winning current affairs magazine for 8-14s.
By The Week Published
-
Netanyahu's Rafah attack vow snarls truce deal
Speed Read Hours before the truce deal was to be finalized, Netanyahu said Israel will invade Rafah regardless
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - May 1, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - beware of governor, biting debates, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Peter Murrell: Sturgeon's husband charged over SNP 'embezzlement' claims
Speed Read SNP expresses 'shock' as former chief executive rearrested in long-running investigation into claims of mishandled campaign funds
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published