WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) – U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee) on Thursday, March 12, criticized the use of Congressional video footage in a new campaign advertisement released by the Israeli Likud party, which is led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On several occasions both before and after the Prime Minister’s speech to a joint meeting of Congress last week, Congressman Cohen warned of the potential use of this footage for a political purpose. Use of video of House floor proceedings is prohibited by House Rules.
“Based on his already having used a speech before Congress as political campaign ad material, I predicted that Prime Minister Netanyahu would use this speech before Congress for political purposes,” said Congressman Cohen. “I had hoped this prediction might have had a chilling effect and caused the Prime Minister to reconsider before using Congress as a campaign backdrop. Instead, my fears have been realized.”
The Congressman continued: “The use of Congressional proceedings in campaign ads is prohibited for Members of Congress and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s predictable use of this footage is one of several reasons I did not attend his speech. I am saddened that Congress is once again being turned into theater and that the Prime Minister made our Capitol into a studio for his political ads, complete with Teleprompters and a live studio audience.”
While likely not enforceable against foreign leaders, House Rule V clearly states: “Coverage… (1) may not be used for any partisan political campaign purpose; (2) may not be used in any commercial advertisement.”
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