A freshman Republican congressman is under fire after suggesting on X that, "If Mainstream Muslims make us choose between keeping our dogs and them going home, the choice is easy." The comment from Rep. Randy Fine of Florida—posted Sunday in response to a pro-Palestinian activist's snarky complaint about dog owners not cleaning up after their pets in New York City—quickly drew condemnation from Democrats, who are urging his resignation or formal punishment, per the Washington Post. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled Fine "an Islamophobic, disgusting, and unrepentant bigot" and said Democrats will seek to hold him "accountable," potentially through disciplinary action if they win the majority in November, "if not sooner."
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called Fine's words "one of the most disgusting statements" she'd seen from a US official and pushed for censure and committee removal. Axios notes that one Republican had weighed in as of Wednesday morning: "I appreciate Randy Fine for many things, but I don't agree with this. We should be respectful to others," Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said.
Activist Nerdeen Kiswani, whose dog-poop post sparked Fine's reply, and who said her own remarks were clearly a joke, said his resignation would be "the bare minimum" and urged Democrats to back their outrage with action, per the Post. Fine hasn't backed down, however, repeating on Newsmax that choosing between "our dogs and them going home" is "easy."
The New York Times notes that Fine is Jewish and has become known in the Florida Legislature as the "Hebrew Hammer." He has a record of previous anti-Muslim statements, including calls for mass deportations and a Muslim travel ban. House Speaker Mike Johnson's office hasn't commented.
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