Key facts
- Rep. Rashida Tlaib pushed for a vote on a Lebanon war powers resolution.
- Rep. Max Miller made strong statements about Hezbollah during debate.
- Miller's words were initially stricken from the congressional record.
- Moderate Democrats expressed concerns about the resolution's potential impact on U.S. operations in Lebanon.
- Rep. Delia Ramirez stated that changing the resolution would delay a vote until July.
- Rep. Brad Schneider stated he would not vote to remove services provided by U.S. forces in Lebanon.
House tensions escalated as Representative Rashida Tlaib initiated a push for a vote on a war powers resolution concerning Lebanon. This move generated significant debate and cross-partisan exchanges on the House floor, temporarily halting proceedings. Representative Max Miller made strong remarks about Hezbollah, calling them a terrorist organization and 'butchers.' Tlaib moved to strike Miller's words from the record, leading to a heated back-and-forth that lasted over an hour. Miller's statements were eventually stricken, with a statement from him affirming his words and stance entered into the record. Representative Delia Ramirez indicated that modifying the resolution would postpone a vote until July, citing the impatience of supporting anti-war groups. Moderate Democrats, like Representative Brad Schneider, expressed reservations, emphasizing the need for continued U.S. operations in Lebanon, such as protecting the embassy in Beirut and aiding the Lebanese Army against Hezbollah. Other representatives, including Adam Smith and Greg Meeks, were reportedly working with Tlaib to address concerns about the bill's language. Progressive Representative Ro Khanna suggested that Donald Trump's recent comments about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu might influence support for such a resolution. Progressive Caucus chair Greg Casar voiced support for raising the issue and urged for swift agreement on the bill's language.