Campaign Action
Democratic Congress member Bobby Rush of Illinois will introduce a resolution to formally censure Congress member Steve King of Iowa, who, in line with his long history of racist and offensive comments, defended white supremacy to the New York Times last week.
“King’s pattern of despicable comments harken back to the dark days of American history where his rabid, racist remarks would have been acceptable to a significant portion of our nation,” Rush said. “This must come to a screeching halt right now.”
While the top Republican in the House, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, claimed last weekend that “action will be taken” against King, he hasn’t publicly announced anything yet. The truth is, Republican leaders have had years to punish King for his views, but instead have kept him on his committee assignments and have given him immigration votes.
“Republicans, in the interest of political expediency, sought his endorsement, ignored his racist remarks, and continued to elevate him to positions of influence,” Rush stated. “Only now that his behavior is well known to those outside the beltway and tainted him politically, do they vigorously denounce him.”
While King deserves to be expelled, that would take significant courage from House Republicans to make up the two-thirds vote. Censure, though, can pass. “My resolution to censure Representative King sends a clear message to the American people—this Congress will not turn a blind eye to his repugnant and racist behavior. Anything short of censure would be shallow.”