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The recent Islamophobic attacks that Colorado GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert made against Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar have also led to internal squabbles in the House Republican caucus. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted Boebert’s attacks on Omar over her faith.
During a closed-door meeting with members of the Democratic caucus, Pelosi blasted Boebert’s attacks on Omar’s faith. This comes as a video that has gone viral on social media that showed Boebert describing the Minnesota Democrat as a member of the “Jihad Squad” and claiming that a Capitol Police officer thought Omar was a suicide bomber in an elevator encounter at the Capitol. Omar refuted Boebert’s claims in the video, saying that Boebert made up the claims.
The Colorado Republican has since doubled down on her Islamophobic rhetoric against Omar even after supposedly apologizing on social media for her remarks. Omar hung up on Boebert when she refused to make a public apology.
“To see a member of Congress attacking another member is not a good thing. Right? Under any circumstance. Whether it’s ethnic, generational, gender, or gender ID, whatever. But to see the supposed people of faith denouncing other people’s faith...it’s indecent. It’s indecent,” said Pelosi during the meeting, according to people familiar with the matter.
Democratic leaders have looked into how they should respond to Boebert’s Islamophobic attacks. However, Pelosi noted in her speech Wednesday that there are different ideas among the caucus regarding the appropriate response. One aide told ABC News that they were discussing introducing a resolution to combat Islamophobia, but no decisions were made.
Another option was to censure Boebert and strip the Colorado congresswoman of her committee assignments.
In other related news, Pelosi affirmed the US commitment to Taiwan in a letter addressed to Taiwanese Legislative Speaker You Si-Kun ahead of the 2021 Open Parliament Forum. Pelosi wished the island nation success in its hosting of the two-day forum.
“The United States continues to stand with Taiwan, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the freedom, security, and human rights of the people of Taiwan. As we strive to deepen our unshakeable bonds, the United States Congress looks forward to promoting peace and progress between the United States, Taiwan, and the rest of the world,” wrote Pelosi.
