Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative John Duarte (CA-13) issued a statement regarding his vote to table the motion to censure Representative Rashida Tlaib.

“I want to be absolutely clear that I fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, and unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terrorism, brutality, and inhumanity. We have a responsibility to stand with the Israeli government to stop this egregious behavior from progressing any further. Furthermore, the uptick in antisemitism around the country is deeply alarming, and we must do everything in our power to stand against this hatred towards the Jewish people.

Some in the House of Representatives have even floated such rhetoric. What is being expressed by Representative Tlaib and others concerning Hamas’s terrorism has been appalling, infuriating, and disgusting. I vehemently disagree with her ignorant statements about the war in Israel. But however much her comments disturb me, she still has a First Amendment right to free speech to voice these views, however ridiculous they may be. That is why I voted to table the motion to censure Tlaib. It is this right that Tlaib and other Americans have that allows us to counter false and hateful narratives being orchestrated against Israel. In this case, the First Amendment acts as a spotlight for us to identify hatred and condemn it swiftly. Censure is a tool that the House must use with caution. I fear this may be weaponized in the future to silence those who have divergent views.

Even Marjorie Taylor Greene is entitled to her right to voice her opinion—even if that means lambasting me on Twitter. Nevertheless, my commitment to the First Amendment principle of free speech extends to Representative Greene’s views, as it does to Representative Tlaib and her right to express such grotesque narratives," said Rep. Duarte.