Johnson warns of “zero-tolerance policy” for Netanyahu disruptions
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House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to reporters at the Capitol. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) cautioned lawmakers there will be a "zero-tolerance" policy for disruptions during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress on Wednesday, warning that guests who disturb the speech may be arrested.
Why it matters: Netanyahu's scheduled appearance has sparked pushback from Democrats frustrated with his handling of the the Israel-Hamas war, with Johnson trying to preempt any controversial moments.
- Johnson wrote in a letter to colleagues that there will be an "increased police presence" in the House chamber during the speech and that "we will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for disturbances in the building."
- Johnson told members to warn their guests that law enforcement "will remove ... offending visitors from the gallery and subject them to arrest."
State of play: Axios previously reported that, in addition to plans by many Democrats to boycott the speech, there is talk among lawmakers that some may also attend and disrupt it.
- One senior House Democrat told Axios they have "not heard" of any members planning to disrupt the speech, but "would frankly be shocked if one of the guests didn't do that."
- Some lawmakers are also planning to attend events Wednesday aimed at counter-programming Netanyahu, including one with Israeli hostage families.
What he's saying: "As Members, it is incumbent upon us all to likewise model respect and proper decorum as representatives of the American people and our institution, and as ambassadors of the United States on the world stage," Johnson wrote.
- "It is our tradition to acknowledge every guest speaker's right to free expression even if we disagree with their viewpoint. If any Member creates a disturbance, the Sergeant at Arms will request that such action be ceased immediately," he added.
Flashback: Johnson's threat is not an idle one – a guest at President Biden's State of the Union address in March was arrested and charged for heckling the president about the 2021 Kabul airport bombing.
The big picture: In addition to warning members to maintain decorum during the speech, congressional leaders are boosting security at the Capitol as they prepare for potentially tens of thousands of protestors on Wednesday.
- Some Democrats have told Axios that, in addition to skipping the speech, they may stay off Capitol Hill altogether on Wednesday out of safety concerns.
