BIBI WATCH: Rep. Lewis Says Boehner Invitation An ‘Affront’ To Obama

FILE - This June 15, 2014 file photo shows U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., speaking in Philadelphia, Miss. Montana’s U.S. House candidates claim to offer “all-of-the-above” solutions to the nation’s energy probl... FILE - This June 15, 2014 file photo shows U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., speaking in Philadelphia, Miss. Montana’s U.S. House candidates claim to offer “all-of-the-above” solutions to the nation’s energy problems, but differences in the details show a wide divide. Democrat Lewis touts the potential for renewable energy he says could transform the state’s energy sector over the long-term. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File) MORE LESS
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Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), who did not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, railed against House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) on Tuesday for inviting Netanyahu to speak before Congress.

“That the Speaker of the House of Representatives would allow the floor of this chamber to be used to undercut the negotiations of the President of the United States is partisan, and it is not right,” Lewis said during a press conference following the speech. “The Speaker’s action is an affront to the President of the United States, to the Democratic leadership of Congress, and the Department of State.”

Lewis said Boehner’s invitation was “meant to purposely undermine the work of our elected and appointed representatives who are the ones responsible to protect the interests of the American people.”

“The floor of the House is a centerpiece of public debate in our democracy. It should not be used as a partisan tool,” he said.

Read Lewis’ full remarks below:

In this Congress, I take a backseat to no one in my commitment and support of Israel and the American Jewish community. On many occasions, we have worked side-by-side to strengthen our democracy and fight for equality and justice in this country. That commitment will not change.

I have worked consistently throughout my career for long-term peace in the Middle East, a secure Jewish state and have fought against anti-Semitism and hate on American shores and abroad.

However, this nation is currently involved in sensitive, on-going negotiations with Iran. Elections in Israel are just about two weeks away on March 17th.

That the Speaker of the House of Representatives would allow the floor of this chamber to be used to undercut the negotiations of the President of the United States is partisan, and it is not right.

Several ambassadors as well as the leaders of prominent Jewish organizations called upon the Prime Minister to cancel his speech. The Speaker’s action is an affront to the President of the United States, to the Democratic leadership of Congress, and the Department of State.

It is meant to purposely undermine the work of our elected and appointed representatives who are the ones responsible to protect the interests of the American people.

The floor of the House is a centerpiece of public debate in our democracy. It should not be used as a partisan tool.

I am saddened, that the Speaker would threaten this nation’s historic, bipartisan support of our Israeli brothers and sisters by this action. It is for this reason that I chose not to attend this morning’s address, and it is my hope that today’s partisan, political low will never, ever be repeated again on the House Floor. Thank you.

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