Statement by Rep. Mikie Sherrill on Censure Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement after voting against yesterday's censure resolution: 

“I wholeheartedly condemn Rep. Tlaib’s comments that uplifted language used by Hamas and others to signal their wish to destroy Israel. This type of language is irresponsible and counterproductive to the crucial efforts towards lasting peace and safety for both Israelis and Palestinians. We must all forcefully speak out against the disturbing acts of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia we’ve seen in the U.S. and across the world. 

“While I condemn her comments, I refuse to engage in the attempts by extremists to upend the work of the House. Before today, only 25 members of the House of Representatives have ever been censured, but in this Congress, 18 censure resolutions have already been introduced – and we are not even halfway through this session. 

“While in Congress, I have heard members express opinions that I find deeply offensive, even contrary to the values of this country. And while, as in this case, I have spoken out about my concerns and made public statements, I’ve only supported one censure against Rep. Paul Gosar when he posted a video depicting himself killing a fellow Member of Congress.

“This ongoing cycle of chaos is no way to govern. Instead, I’m committed to ending this dysfunction and urgently passing security assistance that supports our allies like Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, and delivers robust humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” 

This week, Sherrill signed onto a statement rejecting the use of the phrase “from the river to the sea” – you can read the statement here.

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