Colorado Democratic Rep. Jared Polis flew into a rage against Republicans opposed to an immigration reform bill and isn’t backing down.
Polis began his tirade Wednesday, directing his anger at Republican Speaker Pro Tem Jackie Walorski from Indiana.
The congressman exploded when Walorski called Democratic Rep. Joe Garcia out of order for recognizing guests in the gallery, family members of people who had been deported for being in the country illegally.
“You think they want to be spending their time here, Madam Speaker?” he asked. “Is that what you think? You think they want to be here in the gallery, probably traveling at their own expense to Washington?”
“And you’re saying we’re addressing them, and that’s what you’re upset about Madam Speaker?” he screamed. “I want you, Madam Speaker, to address the reason that they are here! They are here because our government is tearing apart their families, Madam Speaker!”
Polis accused Republicans of obstructing a vote on H.R. 15, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act.
When Walorski attempted to gavel him down, Polis interrupted.
“No, will the speaker understand that the speaker is obstructing H.R. 15 from coming to the floor?” he said. “Will the speaker understand that? Will the speaker understand that the speaker is preventing H.R. 15 from coming to the floor and that is why there are men and women in the gallery that potentially face deportation and their families are being torn apart? It’s very simple. It’s very simple. It’s very simple, Madam Speaker. Very simple.”
Polis later defended his tone to the Colorado Observer, saying it was necessary given that Republicans haven’t brought the bill up for a vote.
“It’s completely inappropriate for them to obstruct [this bill],” he said.
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