The Ohio Republican was also barred from speaking on the House floor for the rest of the day.
The fight, which was one of the most heated on the floor in recent memory, showed how divided people are over U.S. policy in the Middle East and how much members can say about each other without breaking House rules. Advertisement It also brought up a tougher question that the rules can’t answer: whether Miller’s main charge, no matter how bluntly it was made, was valid.
Tlaib, a Palestinian-American and one of only two Muslim women in Congress, opened her floor remarks by calling for an end to “U.S. participation in the Israeli apartheid regime’s invasion of Lebanon.”
He also refused to issue an apology
She accused the Israeli military of targeting journalists and using American tax dollars “to commit war crimes.” Advertisement Miller, who is Jewish, responded by going directly at Tlaib. He referenced Hezbollah.
“Its members are butchers that you like to hang out with to a certain extent,” Miller said.
When Tlaib reacted, hollering at Miller from across the chamber, though her words were not picked up on the microphone, Miller stood his ground.
She accused the Israeli military of targeting journalists and using American tax dollars “to commit war crimes.” Advertisement Miller, who is Jewish, responded by going directly at Tlaib
You advocate for a terrorist regime every single day,” Miller said.
Reporter's Notebook: Tlaib forces rare House procedure after Republican accuses her of defending terrorists | Chad Pergram, Fox News
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) June 9, 2026
"Words taken down."
That term of art may not mean much off Capitol Hill. But it’s a phrase which usually signals there’s a ruckus in the House of… pic.twitter.com/wUoAKzJ4k6
Then came the line that seemed designed to provoke: “Oh, I’m sorry. Are we getting a little emotional?”
She asked that Miller’s words be “taken down,” a term of art on Capitol Hill that triggers a review of whether a member’s remarks violated chamber rules against personal attacks.
“Yes, you advocate for terrorists on a daily basis
Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., who was presiding over the debate from the dais, slammed down the gavel, addressed both members, and asked Miller to sit down.
We will debate it respectfully and deliberately,” Obernolte said.
House business came to a halt as staff and stenographers reviewed the disputed remarks.
Tlaib moved quickly to invoke the House’s formal remedy
After an hour of delay, Miller still would not apologize or withdraw his statement.
“The words of the gentleman from Ohio contain an allegation that the gentlewoman from Michigan is a ‘butcher’ and affiliated with a terrorist organization. Such remarks impugn the patriotism and loyalty of the member of the House,” Obernolte said.
Obernolte declared the remarks “contain personalities and are not in order” and ordered them stricken from the record. Advertisement The House sanctioned Miller and suspended him from speaking for the rest of the day.
“Colleagues, this is a serious topic
Mast told the chamber he would deliver a message from Miller, then quoted the Ohio Republican directly: “Yes, I said it. I own it. And I stand by it.”
Mast then went further.
Tlaib objected.
Obernolte then issued his ruling
Mast also tried to enter a transcript of Tlaib allegedly speaking about genocide.
The outcome of the procedure obscured the main argument.
Tlaib spoke in front of the House and called Israel, which is an ally of the US through a treaty, a “apartheid regime.”