The House of Representatives halted proceedings and invoked a rarely used parliamentary procedure after Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller accused Michigan Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib of supporting terrorists during a heated floor debate over U.S. policy in Lebanon.
The clash erupted as Tlaib presented a resolution on war powers in Lebanon, criticizing what she called “U.S. participation in the Israeli apartheid regime’s invasion.” Miller, a Jewish lawmaker from Ohio, directly challenged Tlaib’s rhetoric, referencing her statements about Hezbollah and accusing her of advocating for terrorist organizations.
What Happened on the House Floor
Tlaib opened her remarks by calling for an end to American involvement in what she described as Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, alleging the Israeli military targeted journalists and used U.S. funds for “war crimes.”
Miller responded directly: “Yes, you advocate for terrorists on a daily basis. You advocate for a terrorist regime every single day,” according to floor records. When Tlaib reacted audibly from her seat, Miller added, “Oh, I’m sorry. Are we getting a little emotional?”
The comment prompted Tlaib to invoke a formal House procedure, requesting her colleague’s words be “taken down”-a parliamentary term triggering a review of whether remarks violated chamber rules against personal attacks.
The Formal Review and Ruling
Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., presiding over the debate, called for a halt to House business while staff and stenographers reviewed Miller’s statements. After an hour passed with Miller refusing to apologize or withdraw his remarks, Obernolte ruled on the matter.
Reporter's Notebook: Tlaib forces rare House procedure after Republican accuses her of defending terrorists | Chad Pergram, Fox News
"Words taken down."
That term of art may not mean much off Capitol Hill. But it’s a phrase which usually signals there’s a ruckus in the House of… pic.twitter.com/wUoAKzJ4k6
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) June 9, 2026
“The words of the gentleman from Ohio contain an allegation that the gentlewoman from Michigan is a ‘butcher’ and affiliated with a terrorist organization,” Obernolte stated. He declared the remarks “contain personalities and are not in order” and ordered them struck from the record.
The House then suspended Miller from speaking for the remainder of the day-a sanction reserved for violations of decorum rules.
The Broader Implications
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., subsequently spoke on Miller’s behalf, stating the Ohio Republican stood by his accusations. “Yes, I said it. I own it. And I stand by it,” Mast quoted Miller as saying.
The dispute underscored deep divisions within Congress over U.S. Middle East policy and the boundaries of acceptable floor debate. While Miller’s comments were formally removed from the record, the underlying questions about Tlaib’s rhetoric and the characterizations of her statements remained unresolved.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Political team contributed to this report.
