House Speaker Mike Johnson has issued a stern warning to members of Congress ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address to a joint session. Johnson made clear that any attempts to disrupt the speech will result in immediate removal and arrest by the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police. The Speaker emphasized a “zero-tolerance” approach toward disruptions, extending the warning not only to lawmakers but also to any guests they might bring to the event. He assured lawmakers that additional security personnel will be deployed to maintain order during the highly anticipated speech.
The warning comes amid planned protests outside the Capitol, with organizers reportedly aiming to stage a 5,000-person march demanding Netanyahu’s arrest, according to reports from the Daily Wire. Tensions around the visit have already spilled into the Capitol complex, where hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators gathered inside the Cannon Building on Tuesday. The protests were disruptive enough that some congressional staff and interns barricaded themselves in offices for safety. Several demonstrators were arrested as Capitol Police sought to maintain control. In response, Johnson promised a significant increase in police presence around the Capitol and inside the House Chamber during Netanyahu’s speech.
Vice President Kamala Harris will not be present to oversee the joint session, as is customary for the vice president. Instead, she will attend a separate event honoring the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta. Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will preside over the session. Johnson criticized Harris for “abandoning her seat,” calling her absence “inexcusable,” adding to the political drama surrounding the speech. This is not the first time Netanyahu’s Congressional address has sparked controversy—back in 2015, nearly 60 Democrats boycotted his speech, and this year a larger number of Democrats are reportedly planning to boycott as well.
Netanyahu’s speech is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern Time and is expected to draw intense attention amid heightened political and international tensions. The Israeli prime minister’s address is a focal point for debates on U.S.-Israel relations and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The security precautions and protests illustrate the high stakes surrounding the event, which has become a flashpoint in domestic political battles as well as foreign policy discussions.
Meanwhile, HBO’s “Real Time” host Bill Maher sharply criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly targeting her chances in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Maher described Harris as “deeply unlikable” and noted her lack of success during the 2020 Democratic primary, where she failed to secure any delegates. He argued that while her presidency would mark historic firsts as the first female, first Black woman, and first Asian American president, these milestones do not guarantee electoral success. Maher was skeptical of her ability to defeat former President Donald Trump, suggesting that any initial excitement about her candidacy would quickly fade.
Maher further attacked Harris for her perceived quietness and ineffectiveness during her vice presidency, sarcastically comparing her silence to an electric car. He also criticized her tenure as the Biden administration’s “border czar,” blaming her for mismanagement of the southern border crisis. Despite acknowledging her intelligence and accomplishments, Maher expressed confusion over why Harris has failed to gain widespread popularity or enthusiasm among Democratic voters and the broader public.
