Rep. Betty McCollum skips Israeli president's speech to Congress

WASHINGTON – The longest serving member of Minnesota's congressional delegation skipped Israeli President Isaac Herzog's speech to Congress on Wednesday.

Rep. Betty McCollum, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, is a longtime critic of Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

"Due to a longstanding commitment with tribal leaders which had to be rescheduled because of an added Interior Appropriations markup this week, I am unable [to] attend the joint address in person," McCollum said in a statement. "I will be reading the transcript of the speech in its entirety to stay apprised of the issues raised."

Her decision comes after Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar and a small number of other progressives said earlier that they would boycott Herzog's speech. The rest of Minnesota's congressional delegation attended the joint address. Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, attended the speech as Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar's guest.

"It was a historic day to celebrate with President Herzog and nearly the entire Congress: Israel's 75th birthday and affirm the bedrock relationship between the two democracies which strengthens each country," Hunegs said in a text message. "Those who missed are all the poorer in life."

On Tuesday, McCollum voted present on a House resolution focused on Israel. The resolution, which passed with 412 yes votes, said "Israel is not a racist or apartheid state," that "Congress rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia," and also that "the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel."

In a statement, McCollum said, "I condemn antisemitism and hate in all its forms," and said she voted present "because Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians deserve genuine steps forward on the goal of peace, not more division and political gamesmanship."

Omar was among the nine Democrats who voted no on the resolution. The effort came to the House floor after Congressional Progressive Caucus leader Rep. Pramila Jayapal called Israel "a racist state." Jayapal, a Democrat, apologized and clarified her comment, but her words caused major congressional tensions ahead of Herzog's speech.