This story was originally published in the Forward. Click here to get the Forward’s free email newsletters delivered to your inbox.

The House voted Thursday on party lines to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over her criticism of Israel and past comments that were perceived antisemitic. The resolution, introduced by Jewish Republican freshman Max Miller from Ohio, making good on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s pledge to remove Omar from the prestigious panel, passed 218-211.  

The resolution cited Omar’s past comments critiquing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that were perceived as antisemitic, and several statements she made lambasting Israel in 2021. 

At the same time, Omar added her name to a Democratic-led House resolution that recognizes Israel “as America’s legitimate and democratic ally” and that condemns antisemitism. The measure, introduced by Rep. Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey, with 30 Democrats listed as co-sponsors, “rejects hate, discrimination, and antisemitism in all forms, including antisemitism masquerading as anti-Israel sentiment” and “condemns perpetuation of antisemitic tropes, including claims of dual loyalty, control, and other conspiracy theories antithetical to American values.” 

A number of Jewish representatives pushed back against the Republican move during a House floor debate, and progressive members of “The Squad” spoke in defense of Omar, earning applause from their colleagues.

“I will continue to speak up because representation matters,” Omar said on the House floor, standing next to a large poster with a picture of her as a child. “I am here to stay and I am here to be a voice against harms around the world.”

This article was originally published on the Forward.