‘Don’t tell me to calm down’: Explosive row breaks out in Congress over ‘fake eyelashes’

US

A furious row broke out in the US Congress after a politician accused a rival of not reading something correctly because her “fake eyelashes” had got in the way.

Controversial Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene uttered the insult to rival Democrat Jasmine Crockett during a stormy session on Thursday night.

It came after Democrats asked Ms Greene if she knew “what we’re here for” after she asked a question at the House Oversight Committee hearing.

The Republican replied: “I don’t think you know what you’re here for. I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading.”

The remark prompted cries of disgust – including from Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who interjected to ask for the comments to be stricken from the record.

She said: “That is absolutely unacceptable. How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person?”

Ms Greene replied sarcastically: “Are your feelings hurt? Awww.”

Ms Ocasio-Cortez fired back: “Oh, girl? Baby girl, don’t even play.”

Ms Green also said her opponents did not “have enough intelligence” to debate her – prompting audible groans in the room.

Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress. NBC News screen grab
Image:
Marjorie Taylor Greene hurled insults during the hearing

Tensions mounted moments later when Ms Crockett asked if committee members would be allowed to “start talking about somebody’s bleach blonde, bad-built butch body?”

The comment prompted further uproar – as confused committee chairman James Comer replied: “The what now?”

As politicians from both sides shouted over each other, Ms Crockett said: “I’m trying to get clarification” – while several of her opposite numbers shouted at her to “calm down”.

Ms Crockett replied: “Don’t tell me to calm down” – while a Republican shot back “You’re out of control”.

Read more from Sky News:
Golf star ‘in shock’ after arrest
Girl with rare disease denied Gaza escape
Teacher guilty of sex with schoolboys

It came as the committee discussed a resolution to recommend that US attorney general Merrick Garland be held in contempt of Congress.

Mr Garland has refused a Republican request to hand over audio recordings from an investigation into US President Joe Biden‘s handling of classified documents.

The probe did not result in any charges being levelled against Mr Biden, but did raise concerns about his “poor memory”.

The committee approved the resolution, as did fellow politicians on the House Judiciary panel, with members voting along partisan lines. However, it is uncertain if any further action will be taken as a result.

Articles You May Like

675 hp AUDI E, Cybercab hits the road, and BYD gets set to take down Ford
Kate joins other senior royals at Festival of Remembrance
How new Paddington movie promotes message of ‘kindness’ towards asylum seekers
Farmers ‘could block ports and disrupt food supply’ in budget tax change protest
Mack Electric LR is Wisconsin’s first electric garbage truck