House Speaker Mike Johnson warned lawmakers that any attempt to disrupt Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address to Congress will result in swift removal and possible arrest. In a letter to members, Johnson said additional sergeants-at-arms and Capitol Police officers will be deployed, enforcing a strict “zero-tolerance” policy for interruptions from lawmakers or guests. His warning comes as thousands of protesters prepare demonstrations outside the Capitol and after anti-Israel activists caused chaos inside the Cannon Office Building on Tuesday, prompting staff to barricade themselves in offices. Vice President Kamala Harris will not preside over the joint session, instead attending a separate event for Zeta Phi Beta. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin will oversee the session, a decision Johnson criticized as “inexcusable.”
Dozens of Democrats boycotted Netanyahu’s 2015 congressional address, and an even larger number are expected to skip this year’s speech. The address is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT, amid heightened tensions, increased security, and growing divisions within the Democratic Party. Johnson insisted that the Capitol Police presence will be significantly reinforced to prevent a repeat of Tuesday’s disruptions, several of which resulted in arrests.
Meanwhile, HBO host Bill Maher sharply criticized Vice President Harris as Democrats consider their prospects heading into the November election. Calling her historically unpopular, Maher pointed out that she won zero delegates in the 2020 primaries and has struggled to connect with voters despite being “intelligent and accomplished.” He suggested Democrats may experience “buyer’s remorse” if Harris fails to surpass Donald Trump in polling after becoming the party’s frontrunner.