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.
“The floor of the House is a centerpiece of public debate in our democracy. It should not be used as a partisan tool.”–Rep Lewis
Excuse me?
Which is why they invited him. Insulting Obama is the topmost priority for this lot. It comes before country, before governing, before everything.
“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.”
With the highest respect I would afford to any political figure in the nation, it’s way more than that. It’s an affront to the Israeli elections, to the American people, and to the cause of peace.
Well, duh, the GOP/Teatrolls have been trying to pretend that Obama’s not POTUS since November 4, 2008.
Republicans just can’t stand the coloreds not knowing their place.