Speaker Johnson Warns of Arrests for Disruptions During Netanyahu's Speech
House Speaker Mike Johnson has issued a stern warning to fellow lawmakers before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Wednesday, stating that any attempt to disrupt the speech will result in arrest.
In his letter, Johnson emphasized that additional sergeants-at-arms and Capitol Police would be present to handle any disruptions, highlighting his “zero-tolerance” stance towards lawmakers and their guests.
“If any disturbance does occur, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest,” Johnson wrote. Lawmakers involved in disruptions will be asked to cease and desist by the sergeant-at-arms.
Protests are planned outside the Capitol during Netanyahu’s visit, including a 5,000-person “march” demanding the Israeli prime minister’s arrest, as reported by the Daily Wire.
Vice President Kamala Harris, now the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, will not oversee Netanyahu’s address. Instead, she will attend a separate event for the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, according to the Times of Israel. Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will conduct the joint session.
Johnson accused Harris of “abandoning her seat” and described her absence as “inexcusable.”
In 2015, nearly 60 Democrats boycotted Netanyahu’s last joint session address. This year, even more Democrats are expected to boycott the speech.
Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters gathered inside the Capitol’s Cannon Building on Tuesday, prompting staff and interns to barricade themselves in their offices, as reported by Fox News. Several demonstrators were arrested. Johnson announced increased police presence around the Capitol complex and the House Chamber.
The prime minister’s speech is set to begin at 2 p.m. EDT.
Meanwhile, HBO “Real Time” host Bill Maher criticized Harris and her chances of defeating former President Donald Trump in November’s election.
Maher called Harris deeply unlikable and reminded viewers she won zero delegates in her 2020 Democratic nomination bid.
“Yes, replacing a president as his party’s candidate this late will seem like a big deal,” Maher said. “For about three days, and then we’ll all be over it.”
Maher mentioned several potential Democratic replacements for Biden, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Harris.
If Harris were to win in November, she would be the first female, first black woman, and first Asian president — none of which impressed Maher.
“I don’t vote for who will be the first, I vote for who will win and for whatever reason, Harris has never been popular,” Maher said, also criticizing her failed 2020 presidential campaign.
“You can count the number of delegates she won in the 2020 primaries on one hand, as long as that hand has no fingers. In three years as vice president, she has been quieter than an electric car,” Maher said.
Maher also criticized Harris for her handling of the U.S. southern border when Biden appointed her as “border czar,” expressing confusion over her unpopularity despite being “intelligent and accomplished.”
Harris is already facing challenges in becoming the Democratic nominee and taking on Trump. During a Fox News interview, contributor Ari Fleischer discussed Democrats’ “buyer’s remorse” with Harris.
“Maybe this is one of the reasons why they have not taken a position. What Ryan said, I think the Democrats are going to have buyer’s remorse here. After the press rallies around her, if she doesn’t pass Trump in the polls after this huge press love affair, what does she have?” Fleischer said.