McCollum Statement Opposing H.Res. 845 Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib
Mr. Speaker, I strongly object to this censure resolution that seeks to punish Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), who is the only Palestinian American Member of Congress, for using her Constitutionally protected right to free speech. Representative Tlaib was elected by her constituents to represent them in the U.S. House, and her voice and perspective are unique and valuable to our national debate.
Members of Congress have the right to express their viewpoints and represent their constituents. Our constituents will hold us accountable for the job we do. What makes democracies like ours unique is that they allow free speech even when it is offensive, false, or shocking. I do not agree with everything that Congresswoman Tlaib has said, just as I do not agree with anything Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) said in his remarks on the House Floor on November 1, 2023. Their First Amendment rights to free speech are still protected.
Censure is a serious tool that should be reserved for holding Members of Congress accountable for unethical or criminal behavior, like committing assault or accepting bribes, or for specific categories of speech that are not protected by the First Amendment, including direct threats against individuals, inciting treason or insurrection, or the use of aggressively insulting “fighting words” against another Member on the House Floor.
Protecting speech is the only way to ensure debate among diverse viewpoints that is an essential ingredient in every true democracy. As my colleague and constitutional scholar Representative Jamie Raskin rightly pointed out, we are at a moment when democracy is under attack around the world, and that makes it even more vital that we remain vigilant about protecting free speech rights here at home.
Mr. Speaker, I voted against this censure, and will continue to defend our right to free speech to represent our constituents and voice our conscience as Representatives in this great democracy.