Politics

House stenographer FREAKS OUT on House floor during debt deal vote [VIDEO]

Alexis Levinson Political Reporter
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WASHINGTON — A House stenographer exploded on the House floor Wednesday evening, shortly before the House concluded its vote to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling.

The stenographer, according to Texas Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro, went up to the dais during the vote, just below the Speaker’s chair, where Florida Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was presiding, and began shouting. His first thought, he told reporters, was to wonder how someone could have gotten onto the House floor from outside — only members and staff are permitted on the floor.

Fox News’ Chad Pergram identified the woman as Dianne Reidy, a stenographer for the House. According to Legistorm, Reidy’s salary comes to $126,050.04, more than double the median U.S. income of $52,100. She has been in the job since 2005.

Reidy’s Facebook page lists a variety of Christian interests, along with HuffPost Impact.

Castro told a group of reporters Reidy had “kind of crazed look, quite frankly. It was very disturbing for members of Congress.”

“The microphone was off,” Castro said, so no one could hear what she was saying.

Reporters standing outside the chamber saw the doors burst open as people physically pushed her out of the chamber as she resisted and toward an elevator.

“He will not be mocked,” she said repeatedly, as five or so people held her in front of the elevator door. Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert stood to the side looking very concerned. He touched her arm and tried to comfort her, but she appeared inconsolable.

“It is deception here,” she continued, yelling loudly. “This is not, one nation under God. It never was. Had it been, it would not have been… It would not have been, the Constitution would not have been written by Free Masons. They go against God. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve two masters. Praise be to God, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reidy continued ranting until an elevator arrived and she was pushed inside.

Other members followed her out of the chamber, looking deeply concerned. Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer was among them, and got in the elevator with a couple other members to find the woman.

“There are many wonderful people working in the Capitol I have gotten to know, and Dianne is one of the sweetest,” Gohmert told The Daily Caller through a spokeswoman. “She will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers while continuing to monitor her recovery.”

Reidy, staff said, is a stenographer for the House of Representatives.

“She looked familiar to me,” said Castro. “I passed her obviously all the time on the House floor, and she had smiled a couple times, seemed nice. According to the other members that had been around longer, she seemed nice.”

Patrick Howley contributed to this article.

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