The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the House of Representatives’ narrow 214–213 vote to table H. Res. 713, Representative Nancy Mace’s dishonest attempt to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and strip her of her committee assignments. Four Republicans joined all Democrats in blocking the resolution.
CAIR noted that while today’s outcome is a victory against racism and political repression, the fight is not over. Rep. Mace and her allies may seek to bring the measure back to the floor in the future.
Earlier today, CAIR sent a formal letter to all members of the House urging them to oppose the resolution, which falsely accused Rep. Omar of celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk – despite her repeatedly condemning his murder and offering sympathy to his family.
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert S. McCaw said:
“Today’s vote is a welcome rejection of Nancy Mace’s dishonest and racist campaign to silence the nation’s most prominent Muslim congresswoman. We thank the four Republicans who joined Democrats in doing the right thing and rejecting this bad-faith effort. But this fight is not over. Rep. Mace and her allies may try again, and we must remain vigilant against any renewed effort to punish Rep. Omar for words she never said while ignoring the real hate speech and genocidal rhetoric coming from other members of Congress.
“Instead of targeting Rep. Omar, Republican and Democratic leaders should consider holding accountable bigots like Rep. Randy Fine and Rep. Brian Mast, and even Rep. Mace herself – who in recent days said Rep. Omar should go back to Somalia and told a Jewish colleague they should see a plastic surgeon for their nose.”
Earlier today, CAIR condemned Rep. Mace’s racist tirades against Rep. Omar in the hours leading up to the vote, including her social media posts saying “If you celebrate murder, maybe Somalia can take you back” and “One-way ticket to Somalia with your name on it, Ilhan Omar.”
CAIR reaffirmed its support for Rep. Omar and called on Americans of all backgrounds to remain engaged in fighting back against Islamophobia, racism, and double standards in Congress.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR will continue to monitor legislation that threatens constitutional rights and work with lawmakers, allies, and community members to ensure Americans’ freedoms are defended.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com