Overview
- Representative Eric Davanzo says House security told him to remove an American-flag patterned jacket or leave and that he chose to leave the chamber rather than comply.
- The Speaker Joanna McClinton's office characterized some Republican outfits as 'costumes' and said enforcing decorum would help lawmakers concentrate on passing the overdue budget.
- Davanzo presented the jacket as a patriotic gesture tied to America's 250th anniversary and to his proposal for $250 payments to households as part of America250, and he is chair of the America First Caucus.
- Republicans pointed to prior instances of themed attire such as Pride colors and camouflage to argue selective enforcement while some Democrats, including Rep. Jordan Harris, praised the jacket as patriotic.
- No formal sanctions or rule changes have been announced and the episode has widened partisan disagreement at the Capitol with outlets on the right emphasizing Davanzo's ejection and other outlets highlighting leadership's push to focus on budget work.