South Michigan News

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan voted in favor of advancing a resolution to censure Representative Tlaib after she posted a video containing a phrase that has been widely interpreted as a call to violence. The motion to table the resolution failed, and the adoption of the resolution will be considered tomorrow.

In a statement following the vote, Rep. Walberg expressed his previous support for Tlaib's right to free speech, even though he found her speech to be abhorrent and dishonest. However, he now believes that her video "calls for violence." He pointed out that the phrase used in the video, which is often seen as a call for peaceful coexistence, was shown in conjunction with another slogan, "no peace on stolen land." Rep. Walberg stated that he will continue to defend First Amendment liberties, but he cannot support the right to call for a violent genocide.

The video posted by Rep. Tlaib featured protests taking place in Michigan, including a rally held in Dearborn on October 10. Rep. Walberg had previously called on all Michigan leaders to condemn the calls for genocide that were made at the rally. However, he expressed disappointment that his call was met with silence from others. Now that the video is gaining national attention and potentially tarnishing Michigan's reputation, Rep. Walberg is renewing his calls for all Michigan leaders, starting with Governor Whitmer, to condemn the genocidal and anti-Semitic language used at the rally. He believes that Governor Whitmer needs to send a clear message that such language is not reflective of Michigan values.

It remains to be seen whether the resolution to censure Rep. Tlaib will be adopted. However, Rep. Walberg's decision to support advancing the resolution is a significant step in holding Rep. Tlaib accountable for her actions.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-votes-advance-censure-rep-tlaib-after-video-posted