WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCAX) – Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders calls in sick to Congress in protest of a national leader’s visit.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to visit the U.S. in the coming weeks to address Congress.
Vocal opposition has come from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who on Monday took to the Senate floor to reiterate his stance and respond to accusations from House speaker Mike Johnson.
According to Sanders in an interview, speaker and Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson accused Sanders of echoing Hamas talking points and standing with the terrorist organization.
“These children and thousands more are the direct result of Netanyahu’s policies – Netanyahu, the man Speaker Johnson has invited to address Congress…No, Mr. President, I will not be in attendance for that speech,” said Sanders.
In his speech, the Senator highlighted the destruction of Gaza’s communities, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, and the loss of life.
Sanders has repeatedly said he will not be attending Netanyahu’s address to Congress.
The timing of Netanyahu’s visit remains uncertain.