On Tuesday, the U.S. House passed a resolution condemning recent tweets from President Donald Trump on a near party lines vote. The resolution passed on a 240-187 vote and, while four Republicans joined the Democrat majority in voting for it, party lines held in the Florida delegation.
Every Democrat in the Florida delegation voted for the resolution and every Republican representing the Sunshine State stood against it.
“What kind of president tells four sitting members of Congress to ‘go back to their own country?’” asked U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla. “One that has tarnished the dignity of the office. Our House Democratic majority has no tolerance for this behavior. This is yet another example of President Trump attempting to sow division and hate in our country. Rather than divide, his words have only strengthened our unity and resolve. We are a nation of immigrants, pursuing justice and equality regardless of the obstacles before us.”
“I did not have the privilege to be born in this country,” noted U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla. “I came here when I was 14. As a member of Congress, I represent a district with one of the most diverse and unique immigrant populations. Half of my district was born in another country. We are as American as the generations of families who immigrated here before us, including the president’s. So when the president of the United States, the leader of the free world, and the example to which all young Americans aspire to be, launched a racist Twitter tirade against four women of color in Congress, telling them to ‘go back’ to the country they came from, it left me shocked, angry and offended.”
Republicans from Florida stood against the resolution.
“I am proud of my record of service in support of immigrant rights,” said U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla. “As the son and sibling of immigrants, I know that immigrants have always played, and continue to play, a crucial and exemplary role in our great nation. I strongly believe that public discourse in our republic needs to be focused on the challenges and issues confronting us, and that, on all sides of the political spectrum, we should avoid politically-motivated personal attacks. Accordingly, I cannot support today’s resolution.”
“I was elected to the House of Representatives to promote policies that support our military and veterans, and to ensure the safety and prosperity of our great nation,” said U.S. Rep. Ross Spano, R-Fla. “I voted ‘no’ on H.Res. 489 because these tweets are a distraction from these important issues. The Democrats are playing politics with this resolution and I do not support their efforts to take down the president. As a public servant, I call on my colleagues to treat each other with mutual respect and find common ground.”
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