Missouri Democrat Cori Bush passionately defended antisemitic “Squad” member Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., amidst a House censure vote stemming from Tlaib’s anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric. Bush, known for her hyper-progressive views, delivered an emotional rant accusing her colleagues of blatant attempts to silence Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American representative. Drawing upon historical injustices, Bush connected the criticism to systemic discrimination against “Black and Brown people” in the workplace.

Cori Bush just went on what is probably the most unhinged rant I've ever seen in Congress on the censure resolution of Rashida Tlaib.

She even refused to stop after the mic was cut off. pic.twitter.com/yon1HfFEaP

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 7, 2023

Even after being notified that her time was up, Bush continued her impassioned defense, highlighting Tlaib’s concerns for both Israeli and Palestinian lives. She vehemently condemned the death threats received by Tlaib and urged a ceasefire. The emotional plea extended beyond procedural limits, emphasizing Tlaib’s dedication to peace and justice.

“It’s outrageous my colleagues are blatantly, blatantly attempting to silence the only Palestinian-American representative right here. It’s outrageous but it’s not surprising. Let me tell you, it’s not surprising because this place is where 1,700 members of Congress, this elected body, enslaved Black people,” Bush, said.

“It’s not surprising because they thought it was right. It’s not surprising because this is a place where members continue to claim the insurrection on the Capitol just appeared to look like a normal tourist visit. It’s not surprising because this is a place where our Black and brown staff members repeatedly speak of experiences, racism, and sexism, Islamophobia, get pushed off of elevators, xenophobia and more right here in this workplace. This is the place,” she continued.

Other members of the “Squad,” including Ayanna Pressley and Stacey Plaskett, rallied to Tlaib’s defense, framing the censure as racially motivated and accusing Republicans of promoting hate. Del. Stacey Plaskett called for a censure of Republicans, citing their alleged support for the “great replacement theory” suggestive of White nationalism.

Democrat Rep. Cori Bush says it's "outrageous" for the House to consider censuring Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib over her call for genocide against Israel pic.twitter.com/kL765aOfzs

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 7, 2023

Despite the fervent defense, the House voted 234-188 to censure Tlaib, symbolically rebuking her recent anti-Israel comments. The censure resolution accused Tlaib of promoting false narratives about a Hamas attack and advocating for the destruction of Israel. Specifically, Tlaib faced criticism for sharing a video containing the antisemitic phrase “From the river to the sea,” perceived as calling for Israel’s extermination. Tlaib defended the phrase as aspirational, rooted in freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence.