Embattled Missouri “Squad” member Rep. Cori Bush is under fire for exaggerating her legislative achievements as she faces a tough primary challenge.
On May 4, Bush claimed on social media that she had “brought home more than $2 billion and passed over 25 pieces of legislation.” However, records from the House of Representatives reveal a different story.
Bush introduced 25 bills, but only one was passed into law. This bill, which aimed to prevent the deportation of Rene Alexander Garcia Maldonado, was part of a larger immigration measure.
The remaining 24 bills, including the “End Solitary Confinement Act,” failed to make it out of committee. Bush also proposed 11 resolutions, none of which advanced past the committee stage.
Mark Mellman, president of the Democratic Majority for Israel, criticized Bush, stating:
“Congresswoman Cori Bush has not been honest with her constituents.”
He noted that Bush had previously been caught falsely claiming credit for longstanding district funding.
Bush, a member of the progressive “Squad” alongside Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Ayanna Pressley, faces significant competition from St. Louis prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell in the upcoming August 6 Democratic primary.
Recent polls indicate a tight race, with Bell sometimes leading by double digits.
This scrutiny comes amid broader challenges for the “Squad.” New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman was recently defeated by moderate Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has played a significant role in both races, with pro-Israel Democrats backing Bell. Bush, a critic of Israel’s tactics against Hamas, faces opposition from groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has invested heavily in Bell’s campaign.
Despite the criticism, Bush has received support from progressive organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America, Justice Democrats, and the Working Families Party, along with endorsements from influential unions like SEIU Healthcare and National Nurses United.
In contrast, Bell has garnered endorsements from construction trade unions and pro-Israel Democrats.
Bush’s campaign has not commented on the situation. As the August primary approaches, the race remains a key battleground for the future direction of the Democratic Party.
