On Thursday, the US House of Representatives voted along party lines to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar, one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, from her seat on the influential Foreign Affairs Committee. All Democrats voted against removing her, while nearly all Republicans voted in favor. The move came after Republicans sought revenge for the removal of Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar from committees when Democrats controlled the chamber.

Omar addressed the House ahead of the vote, highlighting the Republican Party’s history of falsely labeling Barack Obama as a secret Muslim and questioning her own worthiness to speak on American foreign policy as a Muslim and an African immigrant. The Republican effort to oust Omar cited her past remarks, in which she criticized lawmakers’ support for Israel, as evidence of her alleged anti-Israel bias.

However, the White House condemned the Republican action, pointing out that Omar has apologized for her past comments and has been vocal about condemning anti-Semitism and affirming the US’s strong alliance with Israel. The move was also criticized as a political stunt and a disservice to the American people.

This vote highlights the ongoing political polarization in Congress and the challenges faced by minority representatives. It also raises important questions about the role of political parties in punishing and rewarding their members for their statements and actions.