On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington and reiterated his support for Israel – one of America’s strongest allies, as the prime minister was in town to address a joint session of Congress as hundreds of pro-Palastenian protesters burned the American flag and destroyed public property just blocks from the U.S. Capitol where Netanyahu was delivering his speech.
Nearly 100 Democratic lawmakers boycotted the speech, including Vice President Kamala Harris – who chose to fill her schedule with other events instead, as scenes of rioters and protesters went viral on social media burning the American flag and spray painting words on public property that included, “F**k America,” “Hamas is Coming” and “Kill them all.” And inside the House chamber, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich) – who just endorsed Harris for president, held up signs that read, “War Criminal” and “Guilty of Genocide” during Netanyahu’s speech.
LaHood, who’s district covers central and northwestern parts of Illinois, and was in attendance for the prime minister’s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, said in a statement shared exclusively with this publication,
“I was honored to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington yesterday. As our strongest ally in the Middle East and the only democracy in the region, we must stand with Israel as they defend themselves from Hamas terrorists and work to return every hostage The decision by Vice President Kamala Harris not to preside over the Joint Session and the boycott of the address by numerous Democrat members of the Illinois delegation disrespects the institution of Congress, undermines America’s global leadership, appeases our adversaries, and weakens one of our strongest alliances.”
The congressman concluded with,
“I will continue to stand with Israel and work to return every hostage, and put an end to Hamas terrorism and other Iranian-backed proxies.”