Representative Steve King, R-Iowa, was rebuked from his committee assignments by House Republicans Monday evening after a bipartisan condemnation of King’s recent comments on white supremacy and white nationalism, Fox News informed.
“We will not tolerate this type of language in the Republican Party … or in the Democratic Party as well,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told reporters. “I watched what Steve King said and we took action.”
McCarthy issued a formal statement saying that King’s comments were “beneath the dignity of the Party of Lincoln and the United States of America. His comments call into question whether he will treat all Americans equally, without regard for race and ethnicity. House Republicans are clear: We are all in this together, as fellow citizens equal before God and the law. As Congressman King’s fellow citizens, let us hope and pray earnestly that this action will lead to greater reflection and ultimately change on his part.”
In a statement, King said that his remarks had been “completely mischaracterized” and accused McCarthy of making what King called “a political decision that ignores the truth.”
King was already blasted by the two parties for several racially charged comments.
“White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?” King asked the paper. “Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?”
In the statement, he tried to explain that by using those terms he referred only to Western Civilization, and not to any previously stated evil ideology.
“My record as a vocal advocate for Western Civilization is nearly as full as my record in defense of Freedom of Speech,” King concluded. ” … I will continue to point out the truth and work with all the vigor that I have to represent 4th District Iowans for at least the next two years.”
In addition, Reps. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, introduced separate censure resolutions against the Republican official. Censure is one of the three formal modes of punishment in the House and is tougher than a reprimand and not as severe as expulsion.
“Anything less [than censure] would be a slap on the wrist,” Rush told reporters. “Steve King’s continual, serial, expression of hard, rabid racism must come to a screeching halt. This Congress must rise up and express its sentiment.”
Senate Republicans also voiced concern and stated that they feel disgusted with King’s comments.
“There is no place in the Republican Party, the Congress or the country for an ideology of racial supremacy of any kind,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. said. “I have no tolerance for such positions and those who espouse these views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. Rep. King’s statements are unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position.”
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