A handful of House Republicans were absent for a vote on the high-profile resolution to condemn President Joe Biden over his pause on weapons transfers to Israel after appearing in New York earlier in the day to support former President Donald Trump at his criminal trial.
More than a dozen House Republicans appeared outside a New York courthouse on Thursday morning in support of Trump, who has entered the fifth week of his hush money trial. Although most of them managed to make it back to Washington, D.C., for evening votes, at least three were absent — missing a key vote on a resolution that would require Biden to expedite weapons, funds, and other forms of aid to Israel within 30 days.
Among those who were absent after being in New York earlier that day include Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL).
“I was in New York for all of today’s court activities, which precludes my travel back to Washington prior to votes,” Gaetz told the Washington Examiner on Thursday. “I would have voted for the measure.”
Both Boebert and Luna returned in time to attend a scheduled Oversight Committee hearing to vote on advancing a measure that would hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress, which began around 8 p.m. However, Luna’s absence during votes became a jab as the committee meeting devolved into chaos and personal attacks among members.
“I think these 17-hour days might not work for us,” ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-MD) said as Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) exchanged barbs.
“Something about working, huh?” Luna responded.
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“Yeah, maybe showing up for a vote,” inserted Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), referring to her presence in New York earlier that day.
It’s not entirely clear whether Boebert and Luna were delayed in their return, causing them to miss votes. The Washington Examiner contacted both of their offices for comment.
