House Democrats Split Over Measure Tied to Ilhan Omar’s Comments

Vote on resolution condemning anti-Semitism is delayed; language condemning anti-Muslim bias is added to measure

Tensions among House Democrats flared Wednesday as members debated how to respond to comments by a freshman lawmaker whose criticism of U.S. policy toward Israel has prompted accusations of anti-Semitism, with some members upset at leadership for moving to schedule a vote without more buy-in from the caucus.

In the closed-door meeting of Democrats on Wednesday, some lawmakers defended Rep. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.), one of two Muslim women in Congress, and objected to voting on a resolution that was an implicit rebuke of her comments, according to a Democratic aide.

A vote on a resolution condemning anti-Semitism, which was sparked by Ms. Omar’s comments last week suggesting supporters of Israel have “allegiance to a foreign country,” was delayed indefinitely, though leadership had aimed for a Wednesday vote, according to aides.

“It hasn’t been decided to have a vote this week,” said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D., Md.). “We’re working on language.”

A draft of the resolution by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and other top Democrats and seen by The Wall Street Journal didn’t name Ms. Omar, but condemned “the myth of dual loyalty, including allegations that Jews should be suspected of being disloyal neighbors or citizens.”

More From The Wall Street Journal (subscription required):