The White House, which was not informed of the invitation, called it a departure from diplomatic protocol. House Speaker John Boehner said, "Congress can make this decision on its own."
A White House spokeswoman, said the U.S. wanted "to avoid the appearance of influencing a democratic election." Israel's election is March 17. Netanyahu is due to address Congress March 3.
Secretary of State John Kerry questioned the Israeli leader's "judgment" on talks with Iran. Earlier, National Security Adviser Susan Rice said Netanyahu's address to Congress was hurting relations.
Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland is the longest-serving woman in Congress. She was first elected to the House in 1976, and 10 years later, was elected to the Senate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is speaking before Congress this morning, in a much anticipated and controversial address. David Greene discusses the speech with NPR's Michele Kelemen.
Although the court has viewed gerrymandering of legislative districts as a practice that deprives citizens of fair representation, it's also thrown up its hands when it comes to policing the practice.
Nelson Shanks tells the Philadelphia Daily News a shadow on the left side of the painting represents not only the infamous dress, but also "a shadow on the office he held, or on" President Clinton.