Congress Moves to Censure Florida Rep. Randy Fine After Racially Charged Social Media Post
House Democrats have proposed a censure vote against Florida Republican Randy Fine following his controversial social media statement that described Muslim Americans as “less than dogs.”
Fine’s remarks, which he posted online, drew immediate condemnation from progressive leaders in Congress. Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin stated that he has “never seen someone deserve one more” for such comments.
Rep. Ro Khanna, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called for Fine to be censured, stating: “We cannot stand idly by as Muslim Americans are described as less than dogs by a sitting member.”
In response to criticism, Fine defended his post on a recent interview platform, arguing that Democrats should not demand immigrants who enter the country illegally follow the same rules as citizens. He claimed such individuals also “should be able to get whatever free stuff they want” and that he was responding to a pro-Palestinian activist’s comment.
Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime, originally made a social media post describing dogs as “unclean” and stating that “NYC is coming to Islam.” She later clarified that her remarks were satirical, referencing local concerns about dog waste after a recent snowstorm and critiquing Islamophobic rhetoric.
Several Democratic leaders have urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to publicly rebuke Fine. Rep. Greg Landsman of Ohio accused Fine of seeking attention for “obscene, hateful” comments, stating: “Ricky, or whatever his name is, just wants the attention.”
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned Fine’s remarks but has not yet committed to supporting a censure vote. He stated: “House Democrats will not let the racist and bigoted behavior of Randy Fine go unchecked.”
