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BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiery address to Congress made waves Wednesday night — but he’s not the only one in the chamber making headlines.

House Democrats attempted to hog the spotlight with a boycott of Bibi’s speech, including Keystone State Reps. Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan and Summer Lee, who stayed home to appease their blue-leaning districts in the suburbs of Philly and Pittsburgh.

Dean and Houlahan’s GOP opponents — David Winkler and Neil Young, respectively — called out the incumbents’ absence.

Winkler dubbed Dean “one of the most Antisemitic Congresswomen serving today,” while Young rebuked Houlahan for “taking a day off while Israel is fighting for survival.”


  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiery address to Congress made waves Wednesday night — but he’s not the only one in the chamber making headlines. ZUMAPRESS.com Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiery address to Congress made waves Wednesday night — but he’s not the only one in the chamber making headlines. ZUMAPRESS.com

After attending the speech, Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) hit Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) for holding a sign branding Netanyahu a “war criminal” during the PM’s address.

“Sadly, on the House floor during his speech, certain members of Congress wouldn’t even stand up at the mention of American hostages; rather, they held up disrespectful signs throughout,” Perry said.

The no-shows didn’t get all the attention though — another Pennsylvania Dem had Washington abuzz Wednesday.

The famously casual Sen. John Fetterman, well known for donning hoodies and shorts in the halls of the Senate, turned heads in a suit and tie fit for the occasion.


  House Democrats attempted to hog the spotlight with a boycott of Bibi’s speech, as Keystone State Reps. Madeleine Dean (pictured), Chrissy Houlahan and Summer Lee stayed home to appease their blue-leaning districts. AP House Democrats attempted to hog the spotlight with a boycott of Bibi’s speech, as Keystone State Reps. Madeleine Dean (pictured), Chrissy Houlahan and Summer Lee stayed home to appease their blue-leaning districts. AP

His fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey also attended Bibi’s address.

Social-media reactions to Fetterman’s more formal appearance were mixed — some Twitter users praised his attire, while others claimed it showed he values Netanyahu and Israel more than the people and country he represents.

After the speech, Politico reported Fetterman was the only Democratic senator to shake Netanyahu’s hand — Senate leader Chuck Schumer was one of dozens who “left the chamber before the prime minister had even left the rostrum.”

Fetterman was joined by Democrat-turned-independent Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

He appears undeterred by critics — he called out Hamas Thursday and continued pushing for the release of all hostages.

A less flamboyant figure, Casey did not comment directly on Netanyahu’s address but condemned the Wednesday pro-Hamas protests in Washington.

“Americans have the right to peacefully protest, but the glorification and celebration of a terrorist group like Hamas is dangerous and unacceptable,” Casey tweeted.


  Sen. John Fetterman, well known for donning hoodies and shorts in the halls of the Senate, turned heads in a suit and tie fit for the occasion while Politico reported he was the only Democratic senator to shake Netanyahu’s hand. AP Sen. John Fetterman, well known for donning hoodies and shorts in the halls of the Senate, turned heads in a suit and tie fit for the occasion while Politico reported he was the only Democratic senator to shake Netanyahu’s hand. AP

“I condemn this in the strongest possible terms.”

Casey’s November challenger, GOP hopeful Dave McCormick, leads him by 4 points in a new Emerson College poll.

That contest is shaping up to be the most expensive Senate race this cycle, with total spending expected to reach $360 million.

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