House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) got into a heated exchange during a “sanctuary city” hearing on Wednesday when the Democratic congresswoman tried to enter articles into the record.
“I’d like to seek unanimous consent to enter into the record this article, and I’ll do this as a survivor of sexual violence myself. This is from Quartz, March 2018,” Pressley began.
“Without objection, so ordered,” Comer quickly jumped in.
“Data from Texas shows that U.S.-born...” Pressley started again to try to read the title of the article she wished to enter into the record.
“Without objection, so ordered. We put it in the record,” Comer again interjected.
“I haven’t entered it,” the Massachusetts Democrat replied. “I have several articles. I need to enter them. Let me just go ahead with what the articles are.”
“Let me proceed. Data from Texas shows that U.S.-born Americans commit more rape and murder than immigrants,” Pressley continued to push, as Comer began to loudly speak over her.
“This trend of you all trying to get thrown out of committees so you can get on MSNBC is going to end. We’re not going to put up with it,” the Kentucky Republican scolded. “You can go with Mr. Frost and Mr. Green.”
Comer was referencing Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas being thrown out for protesting during President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday night, as well as Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL), who was threatened with physical removal from the House Oversight Committee last week for repeatedly calling Trump a “grifter.”
“This is my procedural right as a member of this committee to enter documents into the record,” Pressley said, the two continuing to yell over each other. “You do not get to dictate how I recite the articles for the record. And I take particular umbrage as a survivor of sexual violence. I will enter into the record. This is my right.”
“No! No!” Comer yelled back. “You are not recognized.”
