Most House Democrats opposed a resolution from Congress that condemned a recent anti-Semitic attack in Boulder, Colorado.
The resolution, which I passed, garnered support from 205 Republicans and 75 Democrats, while 113 Democrats voted against it. Notably, among those who supported the resolution were Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and several Democrats, including Sarah McBride of Delaware, Johnny Olszewski from Maryland, Dina Titus from Nevada, Shomali Figures from Alabama, and Herb Conaway from New Jersey.
On the same night, another resolution was passed, which addressed anti-Semitism but did so with a distinct focus, passing with a lopsided vote of 400-2. Greene voted against this one, similarly to Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib.
“Congress will not vote for hate crimes committed against white people, Christians, men, homeless people, or countless others,” Greene remarked.
The Democrats largely rejected earlier proposals as they focused more on the immigration context of the violence perpetrated by suspected attacker Mohammed Sabry Soliman. Reportedly, Soliman violated his tourist visa, failing to leave the United States before the allotted duration lapsed.
“The case of Mohammed Sabry Soliman emphasizes the importance of monitoring individuals who apply for visas and whether they engage in activities that support anti-Semitic or anti-American actions,” I think, points to an ongoing concern.
Greene, the sole Republican to support both resolutions, acknowledged the anti-Semitic nature of the attack but also suggested that it overshadowed other forms of victimization.
“Anti-Semitic hate crimes are wrong, but so are all hate crimes,” Greene stated on Monday. “Yet Congress seems silent on hate crimes against various groups, including white people, Christians, men, and the homeless.”
In her speech, she noted, “The House passed two more resolutions addressing anti-Semitism—these were the 20th and 21st I’ve supported since taking office. It’s disheartening to see that violence against Americans from all backgrounds often goes unrecognized.”
Greene expressed concern that prioritizing anti-Semitic attacks might exacerbate resentment that contributes to hate crimes. She argued that presenting one group’s experiences as more significant than others fosters division.
“Emphasizing one group, or a foreign nation, over our own citizens can increase resentment and fuel more division,” she elaborated. “These hate crimes are indeed horrific, but my support stems from a broader perspective.”
