RSVP-ING NO TO NETANYAHU Dozens of rank-and-file Democratic lawmakers plan to steer clear of Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-awaited address to Congress on Wednesday, wary of giving the Israeli prime minister a platform amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza that’s killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. So far, at least 18 House Democrats and nine Senate Democrats have said publicly they’ll miss Netanyahu’s first address to Congress in nearly a decade, according to a POLITICO tally, including Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and other party leaders like Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.). (For comparison’s sake: 58 lawmakers skipped Netanyahu’s 2015 speech — and Democratic aides expect a similar tally of at least that many this go around.) Some said they are missing due to disagreement with the prime minister’s policies, while others cited scheduling conflicts. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), for example, cited “a previously scheduled commitment” in Virginia as the reason he won’t make the speech. (Kaine didn’t attend the 2015 address to Congress, either.) Many progressives are voicing anger that Netanyahu was invited at all. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has said he won’t attend, adding that the invitation shouldn't have been extended in the first place. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said simply, “He’s a war criminal,” a sentiment echoed by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) (the only Palestinian American in Congress, who also hasn’t publicly indicated whether she’ll attend). Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) an outspoken critic of the Israeli government, said she wasn’t planning on protesting instead of attending the speech. Rather, she planned on giving her ticket to family members of hostages held by Hamas who were going to be in Washington. "I think that his focus should be completely on the work that's got to be done in Israel and Gaza,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), another progressive who is skipping. But it’s not just the left-wing of the caucus. Centrist Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.), who is close to party leadership, said he wasn’t planning on attending the address, adding: “Prime Minister Netanyahu must no longer stand in the way of a ceasefire and an agreement for Hamas to return the hostages.” Some rank-and-file members say they’ll go, however, even if they don’t expect many points of agreement with the prime minister’s remarks. “My constituents elected me to sit in that chair,” Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said. “If I only sat there on days that were really fun that I enjoyed, I wouldn't be sitting there very often.” (Of note: Kildee’s office was swarmed by anti-Israel protesters Tuesday afternoon.) Overall, when it comes to getting lawmakers to attend the event, House Democratic leaders aren’t putting their thumb on the scale. “Members are going to make their own decisions,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) said. “We've just been encouraging our members to exercise safety and to let them know about the security posture that we're going to face tomorrow and giving them the guidance that the sergeant at arms has sent out.” Then there is presidential politics. Vice President Kamala Harris won’t be attending, as she has pre-scheduled campaign travel in Indianapolis on Wednesday. But her plans, according to a Harris aide, “should not be interpreted as a change in her position with regard to Israel.” Instead of the address, Harris will hold a one-on-one meeting with Netanyahu at the White House this week. (As for JD Vance missing the Netanyahu speech, more on that below.) Those that do make it into the House chamber should expect tough security and a zero-tolerance policy for disruptions — from lawmakers or their guests — according to Speaker Mike Johnson. Additional security resources will be present to enforce decorum. — Anthony Adragna, with assists from Daniella Diaz, Ursula Perano, Katherine Tully-McManus, Nicholas Wu, Sarah Ferris and Mia McCarthy GOOD EVENING! Welcome to Inside Congress, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Tuesday, July 23, where we hope you have your travel plans ready for Wednesday; it will be busy on Capitol Hill with Netanyahu’s visit.
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