ST. PAUL, Minn.– On Thursday, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives removed U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in a party-line vote. Senator Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis) and Representatives Hodan Hassan (DFL-Minneapolis), Mohamud Noor (DFL-Minneapolis) and Samakab Hussein (DFL-St. Paul) issued the following statement in support of Omar:
“Denying Representative Omar’s rightful assignment to the Foreign Affairs Committee is an act of pure racism and Islamophobia. Her experience as a Muslim, an immigrant, and a refugee is one shared by millions of Americans, including us, and many people that she represents in the 5th Congressional District. Like every American, they deserve the right to have their voices heard on our nation’s role in the world. Ilhan has been the target of scare tactics and bigoted attacks since even before she took office in Washington. Republicans resent her because of her race and identity, and they are threatened by her because she is a powerful speaker and capable legislator. We are confident Representative Omar will continue to be an outspoken champion of a more just and peaceful diplomacy.”
Signed,
Senator Omar Fateh
Representative Hodan Hassan
Representative Mohamud Noor
Representative Samakab Hussein