Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar drew backlash for remarks in which she vowed to prioritize Somali interests during her service in Congress.

The progressive lawmaker, who is the first Somali-American and one of the first two Muslim women to serve in Congress, commented in a Saturday speech posted on social media that she would leverage her influence to support Somalia in a maritime dispute with Ethiopia.

“For as long as I am in the U.S. Congress, Somalia will never be in danger, its waters will not be stolen by Ethiopia or others,” she commented. “The U.S. would not dare to support anyone against Somalia to steal our land or oceans. Sleep in comfort, knowing I am here to protect the interests of Somalia from inside the U.S. system. The woman you sent to Congress is working day and night to protect your interests. She knows your plight and that of Somalia. I am as concerned about Somalia as you guys are. Together we will protect the interests of Somalia.”

Omar has frequently encouraged federal agencies to adopt favorable policies toward Somalia. She pressed the Biden administration on defense policy in the region after an airstrike on Al-Shabaab militants three years ago. She also noted during her first year in Congress that she was “able to secure debt relief for Somalia” through an appropriations bill. The lawmaker said the measure helped Somalis still living in the East African nation as well as “the thousands of Somali-Americans who live in my district and have family in the region.”

Omar added during the speech that many Somalis had personally called her to “speak to the U.S. government” in order to help Somalia. “We as Somalians, we love each other. There are areas of friction and that led us to kill each other. But in reality we are an organized society,” she continued. “People who know they are Somalians first, Muslims second, who protect one another come to each other's aid and to the aid of other Muslims too.”

Various Republican lawmakers criticized Omar for the remarks, asserting that she is not focused on the interests of the United States. Minnesota Republican Representative Tom Emmer said that the “Somalia-first comments are a slap in the face to the Minnesotans she was elected to serve and a direct violation of her oath of office,” meaning that she should “resign in disgrace.”

Large numbers of Somali refugees started entering the United States three decades ago when a civil war and broader instability prompted many to flee the nation. There are nearly 90,000 Somalis in the state of Minnesota, which boasts the largest population of Somalis in the country.