Iran Press/ America: The 218-211 vote, along party lines, came after a heated, voices-raised debate in which Democrats accused the GOP of targeting Omar based on her race. Omar defended herself on the House floor, asking if anyone was surprised she was being targeted, “because when you push power, power pushes back." Democratic colleagues hugged and embraced their colleague during the vote.
“My voice will get louder and stronger, and my leadership will be celebrated around the world,” Omar said in a closing speech.
Republicans focused on six statements Omar has made that “under the totality of the circumstances, disqualify her from serving on the Committee of Foreign Affairs,” said Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss.
“All members, both Republicans and Democrats alike who seek to serve on Foreign Affairs, should be held to the highest standard of conduct due to international sensitivity and national security concerns under the jurisdiction of this committee,” Guest said.
The resolution proposed by Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, a former official in the Trump administration, declared, “Omar’s comments have brought dishonor to the House of Representatives.”
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Omar has at times “made mistakes" and used anti-Semitic tropes that were condemned by House Democrats four years ago. But that is not what Thursday's vote was about, he said.
“It's not about accountability, it’s about political vengeance," Jeffries said.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, went took it one step further, saying that the GOP's action was one of the “disgusting legacies after 9/11," a reference to the Sept. 11, 2001, attack – "the targeting and racism against Muslim-Americans throughout the United States of America. And this is an extension of that legacy."
She added, “This is about targeting women of color."
Omar is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress.
She is also the first to wear a headscarf (Hijab) in the House chamber after floor rules were changed to allow members to wear head coverings for religious reasons.
She quickly generated controversy after entering Congress in 2019 with a pair of tweets that suggested lawmakers who supported Tel Aviv were motivated by money.
In the first, she criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee or AIPAC. “It’s all about Benjamin's baby,” she wrote, invoking slang about $100 bills.
Asked on Twitter who she thought was paying members of Congress to support Tel Aviv, Omar responded, “AIPAC!”
The comments sparked a public rebuke from then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats who made clear that Omar had overstepped.
She soon apologized.
“We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me about my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize,” Omar tweeted.
Democrats rallied in a fiery defense of Omar and the experiences she brings to Congress.
Black, Latino, and progressive lawmakers in particular spoke of her unique voice in the House and criticized Republicans for what they called a racist attack.
“Racist gaslighting,” said Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. A “revenge resolution,” said Rep. Primila Jayapal of Washington, the chair of the progressive caucus.
“It’s so painful to watch,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who joined Congress with Omar in 2019, being among the first two female Muslims elected to the House.
“To Congresswoman Omar, I am so sorry that our country is failing you today through this chamber. You belong on that committee,” Tlaib said through tears.
Omar’s previous comments were among several remarks highlighted in the resolutions seeking her removal from the Foreign Affairs Committee.
The chairman of the committee, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, argued for excluding Omar from the panel during a recent closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans.
“It’s just that her worldview of Israel is so diametrically opposed to the committee’s. I don’t mind having differences of opinion, but this goes beyond that,” McCaul told reporters in describing his stance.
Several Republicans skeptical of removing Omar wanted “due process” for lawmakers who face removal. McCarthy said he told them he would work with Democrats on creating a due process system, but acknowledged it is still a work in progress.
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