The resolution passed by a majority of 412 to 1.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) was the sole "No" vote against H. Res. 888, citing the language within the legislation.
“I agree with the title ‘Reaffirming the State of Israel’s Right to Exist’ and much of the language, but I’m voting No on the resolution because it equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Antisemitism is deplorable, but expanding it to include criticism of Israel is not helpful,” he said.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the “Squad” member who is known for her anti-Israel rhetoric, voted “present”. Another Squad member, Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) did not vote.
The resolution was submitted by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY). It states that “the House of Representatives—(1) reaffirms the State of Israel’s right to exist;
(2) recognizes that denying Israel’s right to exist is a form of antisemitism;
(3) rejects calls for Israel’s destruction and the elimination of the only Jewish State; and
(4) condemns the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel.”
“My resolution H. Res 888 is simple and straightforward - Israel has a right to exist. I was pleased to see this resolution pass the House tonight with broad bipartisan support,” Lawler said after the vote.
Last month, the House of Representatives approved by a majority of 412 to 10 a resolution expressing support for Israel in its war against Hamas.
Nine of the ten “no” votes were by Democrats: Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Andre Carson, Al Green, Summer Lee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Delia Ramirez and Tlaib. The lone Republican no vote was from Massie.
The resolution was the first one passed by the House after the election of Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as its next Speaker.
