WASHINGTON, D.C.— Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the House voted once again to condemn hateful ideologies including anti-Semitism following offensive comments by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Mn.):
“I voted in favor of today’s resolution because we must all take a strong stand against hatred and bigotry wherever we see it, and I’m glad this resolution makes that clear. However, a watered-down condemnation of hate does little to alleviate the hurt caused by Rep. Omar’s continuous anti-Semitic rhetoric and beliefs.
“This diluted condemnation only highlights the real problem in the Democrat caucus: Speaker Pelosi awarded a known anti-Semite with a coveted spot on the Foreign Affairs Committee. The House has now voted twice in the first two months of the House Democrat Majority to condemn hateful ideology in response to Rep. Omar’s remarks, yet Speaker Pelosi has not removed Rep. Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee.
“No Member should serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee who shares and expresses anti-Semitic views. House Republican Leadership warned Speaker Pelosi not to elevate Rep. Omar to the Foreign Affairs Committee for this very reason. It is disturbing that throughout the world we are seeing an alarming rise of anti-Semitic attitudes and attacks against Jews, including here in America. With anti-Semitic hate crimes in America spiking 37% between 2016 and 2017 alone, we as leaders in Congress have an obligation to stand strongly against bigotry and hatred wherever we see it, not only with our words, but with our actions.”