Mainstream Senate Dems undecided on attending Netanyahu speech.
Senate Democrats are currently in a state of deliberation regarding their attendance at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address to a joint session of Congress. The decision seems to be a challenging one for many, with various members expressing uncertainty about whether they will be present for the highly anticipated event.
Last month, bipartisan congressional leaders extended an invitation to Netanyahu to speak before lawmakers, aiming to strengthen the enduring relationship between the United States and Israel. The letter, signed by prominent figures such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, emphasized the importance of solidarity with Israel and the promotion of democracy, counterterrorism efforts, and peace in the region.
Despite his past criticisms of Netanyahu, Schumer decided to sign onto the invitation, emphasizing the fundamental nature of the alliance between the two nations, which transcends individual leaders or political figures. Other Senate Democrats, however, are still weighing their options and considering the potential conflicts that may arise from attending the address scheduled for July 24.
Senator Tom Carper of Delaware expressed uncertainty about his attendance, indicating that his decision would be influenced by conflicting commitments. Similarly, Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii admitted to not having made a final determination yet. Senator Angus King, an Independent from Maine who aligns with Democrats, stated that he had not given the matter much thought and refrained from commenting on any reservations he might have.
On the other hand, progressive senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts have firmly declared their intentions not to attend Netanyahu’s speech. Sanders, a vocal critic of Israel’s actions, lamented the invitation extended to Netanyahu by leaders from both parties, labeling it as a regrettable development for the country. Warren echoed these sentiments, highlighting Netanyahu’s role in what she characterized as a humanitarian crisis.
While some Senate Democrats remain undecided, others have quickly affirmed their plans to be present at Netanyahu’s address. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York confidently stated her intention to attend, demonstrating her commitment to engaging with the Prime Minister’s perspectives. Similarly, Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, facing a tough re-election battle in a swing state, affirmed her attendance. Rosen, only the third Jewish woman to serve as a senator in U.S. history, also co-chairs the Bipartisan Task Force For Combating Antisemitism.
Additional Democratic senators like Jon Tester of Montana, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, all of whom are up for re-election this November, have also confirmed their participation in Netanyahu’s forthcoming remarks. Despite varying opinions on Netanyahu and his policies, these senators see value in engaging with the Israeli Prime Minister’s perspective and maintaining diplomatic ties between the two nations.
