Senators and Congressmen, women funded by foreign lobbies pose a serious threat to America’s security, integrity and its cohesion.
Pummy Pandita
It’s for United States Congress to defend American values and interests. Nonetheless, existence of senators with questionable ties and conduct imply that they might not put Americans welfare first. Anti-Americanism within US Congress has been a subject of debate for quite some time and of late, there have been reports suggesting some senators were outright “anti-American.”
It’s not for the first time that such conversations have happened openly. There have been reports in past as well that politicians in US have harboured anti-American feelings. Claims of disloyalty were common throughout Cold War leading to rigorous scrutiny during McCarthy era. The rise of populism and partisan polarization in recent years has increased interest in priorities and allegiances of legislators.
Setting precise standards is essential to identify anti-American senators in an unbiased manner. This can involve opposing important national security legislations through voting, publicly undermining American interests in statements and continue affiliations with groups that disagree with American policies and ideals.
Opinions are diverse on senators and representatives in US Congress who are thought to be anti-American and have ties to foreign countries. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Michigan’s 12th congressional district and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota have been discussed in the media to have reportedly harboured ‘anti-Americanism’.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, Rashida Tlaib, a member of self-styled “Squad” in US House of Representatives grabbed attention by waving a “War Criminal” placard. This brought out deep political rift about American policy towards Israel.
One of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, Rashida Tlaib is a Palestinian-American recognized for her vocal support to Palestinian rights and condemnation of Israeli government practices.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and other progressive lawmakers constitute the so-called “Squad” which includes Democratic congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Michigan’s 12th congressional district. As one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress in 2018, Tlaib created history. Robust progressive programs, such as Medicare for All, Green New Deal and substantial changes to criminal justice and immigration systems define her so called political agenda.
The Incident
• Tlaib’s demonstration was direct reaction to Netanyahu’s acts and policies which she and many others believe to be discriminatory towards the Palestinian people. The placard referred to Netanyahu as a “War Criminal,” a moniker that detractors frequently employ to characterize his involvement in military actions in the West Bank and Gaza.
• Tlaib’s act was meant to highlight Palestinians suffering and human rights issues. It was also a critique of American administration’s persistent backing of Netanyahu.
• The demonstration highlighted glaring differences in American politics over Israel. While a large majority of Congressmen back Israel wholeheartedly, others—especially progressive Democrats like Tlaib—are growingly skeptical of Israel’s practices and champion rights of Palestinian people.
Tlaib’s political remarks and deeds reveal a bias against the United States. These accusations frequently focus on the following issues:
- Support for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Campaign. Tlaib is an outspoken advocate of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement that aimed at putting economic pressure on Israel to change its treatment of Palestinians. This line has been pursued by Tlaib though US-Israeli relationship is a pillar of the country’s foreign policy in Middle East and this position threatens that relationship.
- Tlaib has had made number of contentious remarks about Israel that are perceived as being unduly pro-Palestinian and disregarding Israeli security. Such views are at odds with the interests and policies of the majority in the United States.
- Tlaib is reportedly connected to groups and people who are at odds with non-state entities or foreign governments that oppose US interests. These accusations frequently rest on her endorsements in public, participation in particular events and the type of political contributions she has made.
Entry of anti-American elements into Congress is a reflection of the country’s wider political and ideological division which has important ramifications.
Though some people find great strength in the story of anti-American infiltration in Congress as represented by individuals such as Rashida Tlaib, it is important to examine such assertions critically. A more nuanced picture becomes apparent when the evidence is carefully examined and larger political context is comprehended.
Congresswoman Ilhan Oman:
Ilhan Omar represents Minnesota’s fifth Congressional District. She is Somali American and second Muslim woman elected to Congress. Omar’s candidature stands out due to her strong opinions on a range of topics such as social justice, immigration and US foreign policy. She is frequently accused of having ties with foreign organizations that could sway her opinions not consistent with American interests.
Omar has not shied away from making public her disapproval of American foreign policy, particularly as it relates to Israel and Palestine. US backing Israel was never appreciated by her and charged that lobbies like American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) shaped US policy. Her position challenges US support for Israel, a vital ally in the Middle East which has long been established.
Allegations of anti-Semitism have resulted from her remarks. In 2019, she implied that pro-Israel lobbyists were purchasing political power when she tweeted that United States political backing for Israel was “all about the Benjamins.” Both sides of the political spectrum strongly condemned this remark which resulted in a House resolution denouncing anti-Semitism.
Omar’s reported ties with foreign organizations may have shaped her views against US foreign policy. Her affiliation with controversial Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)—which receives funds from overseas—has been examined. There have also been claims that she has ties to Turkish and Qatari interests though concrete proof of these assertions is still hard to come by.
As per reports, some of her opinions coincide with those of rogue governments. Her opposition to sanctions on nations like Venezuela and Iran considered United States’ rivals has been used as evidence of her anti-American inclination.
Claim that certain members of Congress do not represent interests of United States is not exclusive to either Ilhan Omar or Rashida Tlaib. It points to broader worries about foreign meddling in American politics and possibility of outside influence on elected officials. Numerous political organizations and media outlets especially those on the conservative side have emphasized this.
One major concern in American politics is influence of foreign lobbying. Foreign governments and entity lobbyists frequently try to sway American policy in favour of or against certain interests. Regulated and lawful activity notwithstanding, lobbying always carried the risk of conflicts of interest and improper influence.
Source of campaign contributions was yet another concern in American elections. As per American laws, it is illegal for foreigners to donate in the country’s elections. But, intricate web spun around political contributions makes it difficult to identify actual source of finances. In this backdrop questions have been raised on intentions and loyalty of public servants who knowingly or ignorantly have accepted such donations.
Lengthy and contentious history on accusation relating to dual loyalty have led people to believe that certain lawmakers put interests of foreign masters above those of United States. These accusations have the potential to cause great harm because they play on long-standing concerns about national security and sovereignty.
Impact on American Interests
- National Security: The nation may become vulnerable if senators/congressmen/women opposed policies that might strengthen national security like resources for intelligence or military efforts. Their acts can give enemies more confidence and make it harder for the country to handle crises.
- Economic Stability: Job losses, reduction in competitiveness and economic downturns can result from legislative resistance to growth and stability promoting economic measures. Senators/congressmen/women who support isolationism run the risk of upsetting trading partners and impeding economic growth.
- Social Cohesion: Increasing polarization and societal disintegration can result from rhetoric that sows strife and erodes confidence in political institutions. This weakens the basis of democracy and makes it more difficult to tackle problems facing the country.
Senators/congressmen/women with anti-American leanings infiltrating Congress pose a tricky issue with broad ramifications for national security. It is evident from looking at their foreign affiliations, legislative past, public remarks and policy recommendations that accountability and vigilance are essential to securing future of the country. American people need to be proactive and knowledgeable in order to make sure that their officials and policymakers put welfare of the nation first.
Intricacies and difficulties of contemporary American politics are brought to light by infiltration of people with anti-American sentiments into US Congress as demonstrated by individuals such as Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. Examining conduct and associations of public servants is vital but it’s also critical to ground this investigation in factual data rather than divisive hyperbole.
Concerns about national security, identity and integrity of democratic institutions are reflected in influence that foreign countries and rogue states have over certain members of Congress. As such, it merits thoughtful analysis that is impartial, devoid of sensationalism and based on dedication to values of openness and responsibility.
(Author is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies based in New Delhi)