WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)-House Democrats are pushing for a formal censure of Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) following his controversial social media comments comparing Muslims unfavorably to dogs, which have sparked widespread backlash across party lines.

The controversy erupted after Fine responded on X to a post by Palestinian American activist Nerdeen Kiswani, who sarcastically suggested that with New York “coming to Islam,” dogs might be deemed “unclean” and unsuitable as indoor pets. Fine wrote: “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”

He later doubled down in subsequent statements and interviews, including one where he said: “Not only are we supposed to let all these people in, we’re supposed to smile and submit while they redefine what it means to be in America!”

A major Muslim leader in NYC is calling for dogs to be forbidden because they “bother some Muslims.”

If Mainstream Muslims make us choose between keeping our dogs and them going home, the choice is easy. pic.twitter.com/FvaLpYE0oB

— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 17, 2026

The remarks, viewed by critics as Islamophobic and bigoted, prompted immediate outrage from Democrats, civil rights groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and even some Jewish and pro-Israel organizations. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) described Fine as “an Islamophobic, disgusting and unrepentant bigot,” while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) called the statement “genuinely one of the most disgusting” from an American official and urged that Fine be censured and stripped of committee assignments.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) told Axios he had raised the issue with Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) leadership, stating: “I have raised with CPC leadership that Fine must be censured. We cannot stand idly by as Muslim Americans are described as less than dogs by a sitting member.” Khanna emphasized that the issue transcends politics and concerns basic morality and decency.

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) echoed the sentiment, posting on X that while he usually opposes censure resolutions, “I’ve never seen someone deserve one more.”

According to Axios reporting, House Democrats are actively discussing forcing a censure vote on the floor if Republican Speaker Mike Johnson does not act, with one senior progressive indicating it “could likely happen” as early as when the House returns from recess. Some lawmakers have gone further, calling for Fine’s resignation or removal from committees.

Fine, who has a history of vocal anti-Muslim rhetoric and positions himself as one of Congress’s most outspoken critics on related issues, has not backed down from his comments. The episode has also drawn rebukes from figures like conservative commentator Megyn Kelly, who accused him of going “full bigot.”

Sharia law is a clear and present threat to the United States.

The call to prayer is being blasted in New York City.

Muslim activists are calling for dogs to be killed.

Giant mosques are popping up all over Texas and Florida.

We have to do something about this threat, and… pic.twitter.com/qwHTVlpqPC

— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 17, 2026