Republican Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan sparred with Democratic California Rep. Linda Sanchez after Jordan ridiculed a witness over her answer during the House Committee On Weaponization Of The Federal Government’s hearing on censorship.
Sanchez questioned attorney Maya Wiley about a rise in Asian American hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanchez seemingly blamed politicians using the label “China Virus” and “Kung Flu” as a main cause. Sanchez accused Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of encouraging anti-Asian hate by saying COVID-19 was a “bio-weapon” and targeted to attack Caucasians and black people.
Wiley apparently then said the government’s role is to “ask for compliance” of social media policies. Jordan then called to move on to the next witness, Republican New York Rep. Elise Stefanik.
“Excuse me, Mr. Chairman, but the last questioner got an additional extra minute. I’m at 35 seconds, I’d like to let her finish her sentence,” Sanchez said. (RELATED: ‘Cut Him Off Or Censor Him Some More!’: Jim Jordan, Stacey Plaskett Go Head To Head During Censorship Hearing)
“Trying to be generous even when the response is that the government determines the truth, trying to be generous,” Jordan said.
“I’d like her to be able to finish her sentence, Mr. Chairman. Then I will yield back,” Sanchez said.
Jordan allowed Wiley to finish her sentence and then criticized her answer.
“I’m not sure I remember the sentence,” Wiley began.
“Okay, well I do. You were saying that government should be the arbiter of what’s true,” Jordan said.
“Please don’t put words into the mouth of the witness and let her respond,” Sanchez demanded. “It’s her answer. I love how you follow the rules, Mr. Chairman. It’s really indicative of what a king court this is and what a circus it is.”
Another Democratic representative muttered Jordan moving onto the next witness is “censorship by the chair.”
“Oh Lord,” Jordan replied.
The hearing was investigating the federal government’s alleged collaboration with social media companies and tech firms to suppress disinformation and misinformation online. Kennedy, who testified before the committee, had his Facebook and Instagram accounts suspended over his remarks on vaccines. Kennedy also alleged at the hearing he is the first person to be “censored by the Biden administration.”