Pelosi not committed to attending Bibi's speech
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi left the door open Thursday to not attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuâs address to Congress next month, in a fresh sign of tension on Capitol Hill around the prime ministerâs visit. Pelosi, speaking to reporters Thursday, said that âas of nowâ sheâll attend the speech, but allowed that members of Congress have busy schedules. Story Continued Below âIâm seriously considering going,â said the California Democrat. âAs of now it is my intention to go. It is still my hope that the event will not take place. There is a serious unease. But donât even think in the terms of boycott. Members will go or they wonât go as they usually go or donât go.â Dozens of Democrats are privately considering skipping the speech because Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) didnât consult the White House about the invitation and scheduled the event close to next monthâs Israeli election. Boehner defended his decision Thursday, saying the invitation was âa very good idea.â âThereâs a message that the American people need to hear, and I think heâs the perfect person to deliver it,â Boehner said. âThe threat of radical Islamic terrorists is a real threat. The threat of Iran to the region and the rest of the world is a real threat. And I believe that the American people are interested in hearing the truth about whatâs happening in that part of the world.â