Congressman Walberg Opposed Efforts to Censure Rep. Tlaib Over Recent Comments

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) opposed efforts to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) for her remarks related to the October 7 terrorist attack and other anti-Israeli comments based upon constitutional protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Congressman Walberg released the following statement:

“As much as I disagree with previous comments made by Rep. Tlaib, First Amendment liberties are for every American, and I will support this constitutional right whether the speaker is on the political left or right and whether they are speaking heinous lies or harsh truths. When we hear evil speech, we should not look to the government for the answer but rather speak up as individuals to denounce it.

Following the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, anti-Semitism has tragically skyrocketed worldwide, and anyone with sufficient moral clarity should condemn it. Just three days after the attack, a rally was held in Dearborn where speakers repeatedly spewed anti-Semitic remarks, with one speaker even calling for the fiery demise of Israel. At that time, I called on all Michigan leaders to condemn it, but sadly, many chose to remain silent. Since then, I have continued to speak out against the hatred and anti-Semitism permeating Michigan, college campuses, the United Nations, and communities across the world. In conversations both public and private, I’ve continued to maintain that perpetuating Hamas propaganda is abhorrent and unacceptable.”

Walberg also cited constitutional protections in his opposition to Rep. Balint’s (D-VT) censure resolution targeting Rep. Taylor Greene (R-GA) for her speech. This resolution was withdrawn.