Press Releases

Rep. Becca Balint on Defeat of Islamophobic Resolution to Censure Rep. Tlaib

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement following the failed vote to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib:

“Tonight, we proved that standing up to bullies works. By not allowing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s repeated offenses to go uncatalogued or unchecked, we defeated a resolution riddled with lies and Islamophobia. Republicans must understand we will not put up with hatred, lies, or intimidation. We’ve seen how hateful rhetoric can turn into violence, and the words we speak on the floor of the House matters. 

“I’m celebrating the fact that the truth prevailed about my friend and colleague Rep. Rashida Tlaib. We couldn’t let one of our own be censured for something that is completely fabricated and racist. I was surprised–when on the floor–several Republicans voted with us to table the hateful and untruthful censure resolution that Rep. Greene brought against Rep. Tlaib.

“The fact remains that my Republican colleagues have allowed Rep. Greene to spew hatred and bigotry for far too long. Vermonters sent me to Congress to uphold the values of fairness and truth, and to protect our democracy. That means speaking out against a bully. I was fully prepared to move my resolution forward, and I plan to call this up for a vote at any time should we see continued vile rhetoric from Rep. Greene and her colleagues. 

“Given the fact that this conference voted unanimously for an election denier - there was a question of whether my resolution to censure Rep. Greene could pass with the votes it needed from “moderate” Republicans. They have shown they are unable to stand up in moments that require courage. 

“But tonight, when 23 Republicans said “no” to Rep. Greene’s bigotry, I saw this situation a little differently.  I want to thank them for doing the right thing. And I’m going to hold back on the vote for now. Vermonters and people across the country need us to get to work and focus on the urgent needs facing working people here at home and around the world.”

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