Two House Democrats accused Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of making racist comments during a House Oversight Committee meeting, suggesting that alcohol may have been a factor in the heated exchange. Rep. Jasmine Crockett criticized Greene for attacking her appearance, particularly her fake eyelashes, which she believes are racist comments directed towards her as a black woman. Crockett also mentioned that Greene’s feud with Rep. Lauren Boebert has never involved attacks on Boebert’s appearance, suggesting that the attacks against her were racially motivated.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Sen. John Fetterman for comparing the meeting to an episode of “The Jerry Springer Show,” stating that she stands up against bullies rather than becoming one. Both Ocasio-Cortez and Crockett mentioned that there were Republicans drinking from Solo cups during the meeting, though they did not confirm whether Greene’s attacks were alcohol-fueled. Crockett questioned the rules of the committee when Chairman James Comer attempted to restore order after Greene’s remarks.
Crockett expressed her frustration with the lack of control and enforcement of rules in the Oversight Committee, stating that she would not tolerate disrespect as a duly elected official. She criticized Greene for not adhering to the rules of Congress and believed that the chaotic nature of the meeting was unacceptable. A spokesperson for Greene did not respond to a request for comment on the situation.
The Oversight panel convened to vote on a contempt of Congress resolution against Attorney General Merrick Garland for failing to comply with a subpoena for recordings of President Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur. The resolution, concerning Biden’s retention of classified documents after his vice presidency, was passed along party lines and sent to the full House of Representatives for a vote. Despite the intense and chaotic nature of the meeting, the business of the committee proceeded and decisions were made regarding the contempt resolution. The accusations of racism and disrespect towards elected officials added additional tension to the already contentious meeting, highlighting issues of professionalism and decorum in Congress.
