Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after voting in favor of a resolution to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) for anti-Semitic comments:

 "Representative Tlaib has made deeply troubling and anti-Semitic remarks in response to the heinous, unprovoked attack on Israel," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "Not only has she demonstrated unapologetic hubris in her condemnation of Israel's right to defend itself but has publicly defended her use of a genocidal rallying cry that calls for ethnic cleansing and the eradication of the state of Israel." 

 "Censure is a very serious action taken by Congress and I do not believe it should be treated lightly. As a strong advocate for the protection of free speech, I support First Amendment protections for others, even if I disagree with them. Although Tlaib’s vile hate speech is protected by the First Amendment, it is far beneath the conduct expected from a member of Congress and she must be held accountable as a representative of this great nation. As leaders, we must be aware that our influence can be greater than we may think. Calls for violence are unacceptable under any circumstance and must be handled with firm action."