Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Stands Firm Against Outside Pressure, Pledges His Full Support To "Squad" Members

This statement comes amidst threats from pro-Israel external groups to sponsor primary opponents against those who have criticized the United States' Middle Eastern ally.

"Outside groups are going to do what outside groups are going to do," Jeffries stated at a press conference on Friday. He added, "I think House Democrats are going to continue to support each other."

Organizations such as the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) have been launching attacks on the progressive "Squad" and other legislators who have opposed aid to Israel in its fight against the terrorist group Hamas.

Several of the targeted lawmakers, including Representatives Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Jamaal Bowman, have previously expressed strong criticism of Israel and its government.

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November 04, 2023

Jeffries' defense follows his explicit message to AIPAC and other special interest groups that House Democratic leaders would back incumbents. Jeffries, along with House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, endorsed Omar for re-election over the summer. This endorsement came months after the House GOP majority voted to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee due to controversial anti-Israel remarks.

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"Rep. Omar has been elected by her constituents three times and has consistently stood up for them, including through her service on the House Budget Committee," Jeffries said in a statement. He added, "As House Democratic Leader, I vigorously endorse her re-election and stand with her as we battle extreme MAGA Republicans for the future of our nation."

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Earlier this week, both Omar and Ocasio-Cortez criticized AIPAC after the group condemned them and others for voting against a resolution to censure Hamas.

"AIPAC endorsed scores of Jan 6th insurrectionists. They are no friend to American democracy," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X. She added, "They are one of the more racist and bigoted PACs in Congress as well, who disproportionately target members of color. They are an extremist organization that destabilizes US democracy."

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"AIPAC literally ran ads with my face next to Hamas rockets, resulting in a string of threats against my life," Omar stated on Wednesday. She added, "When Democratic leadership called them out, they refused to apologize and kept the ads up. What they are doing is insulting and Islamophobic."