In a recent development, Senator John Thune has publicly criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her absence during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress. Thune expressed his disapproval, stating that Harris’s decision to skip the event is “especially disturbing,” given the significance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Vice President Harris chose to attend an event at the Zeta Phi Beta sorority’s national conference instead of the congressional address. During her appearance, she delivered a speech highlighting the Biden administration’s policies on student loan forgiveness and criticized Republican efforts on various issues.
Senator Thune is not alone in his criticism. Other Republican senators, including John Cornyn and Ted Budd, have also expressed their disappointment. Cornyn labeled Harris’s absence as “disgraceful,” while Budd accused her of neglecting her constitutional duties.
The Vice President’s absence comes amid a broader context of division within Congress regarding Netanyahu’s visit. Several Democratic lawmakers, such as Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, have chosen to boycott the speech, citing concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within U.S. politics concerning foreign policy and the nation’s alliances. As the situation develops, it underscores the deepening partisan divides over America’s role in international affairs and its relationships with key allies.
