Speaker Johnson warns visitors and colleagues not to interrupt Netanyahu's address

House Speaker Mike Johnson cautioned lawmakers and their guests on Tuesday against interrupting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress on Wednesday, or face repercussions. 

Congressional leadership invited the Israeli leader to address a joint session of Congress about its ongoing war with the terrorist organization Hamas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also addressed Congress about his country's war with Russia.

Johnson sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to House lawmakers to remind them of the chambers' rules of decorum, and claimed there will be a "zero-tolerance" policy for interruptions.

“If any disturbance does occur, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest,” Johnson wrote in the letter reported by the Washington Examiner. “As Members, it is incumbent upon us all to likewise model respect and proper decorum as representatives of the American people and our institution, and as ambassadors of the United States on the world stage.”

Johnson said that if a lawmaker interrupts the speech then the Sergeant at Arms will tell them to cease the actions, which "we trust will be heeded."

The letter comes as the United States Capitol Police prepares for thousands of demonstrators to gather outside of the Capitol complex to protest the speech, per The Hill. Security preparations include increasing USCP officers at the Capitol, putting up barricades, and closing the Capitol Visitor Center, Library of Congress, and the Botanical Gardens to visitors.

Several Democratic and independent lawmakers are expected to boycott the speech, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Senate President Pro-Tempore Patty Murray said she will not be attending the event, but did not give a specific reason for her absence. 

Vice President Kamala Harris was also invited to the speech, but said she will not attend because of scheduling conflicts due to her new presidential campaign. Sen. Ben Cardin, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations committee, will preside over the address in Harris' and Murray's stead.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.