This week, a Republican representative in Pennsylvania was removed from the Democratic-run state House for donning patriotic clothing commemorating the nation’s 250-year anniversary.
The situation arises as the country gears up for its 500-year celebration, with events planned by both the Trump administration, including the Great American State Fair, and the Shapiro administration’s America 250PA concerts and fairs extending from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre.
Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, has a historically divided government. Governor Josh Shapiro leads the executive branch, Democrats hold a majority in the House, and Republicans are slightly ahead in the Senate. This division has led to debates, like the one involving State Rep. Eric D’Avanzo this week.
D’Avanzo, representing Westmoreland County, expressed surprise over the reaction from House Speaker Joanna McClinton, who was seen in a patriotic outfit the same day.
He mentioned to Fox News Digital that he had been walking around, greeting peers and chatting with House Minority Leader Timothy O’Neill when the situation escalated. “I turned around for a photo, and then suddenly, Whip O’Neill was gone,” he recalled.
When O’Neill returned, he informed D’Avanzo that McClinton deemed his attire inappropriate. Caught off guard, D’Avanzo initially opted to stay put until he was told by the House sergeant-at-arms that McClinton insisted he either remove his jacket or exit.
“Instead of taking off his jacket, he walked off the House floor,” D’Avanzo recounted. He remarked that while McClinton seemed to oppose the America 250-themed outfit, some Democrats later told him that they disagreed with his ejection.
D’Avanzo noted that leadership had previously approved themed clothing for various occasions. “They had asked members to wear Pride colors for a photo in June, so I thought it was fair to show up as a patriot,” he reflected. McClinton, during the same session, emphasized Pride Month’s message about authenticity and love.
D’Avanzo opposed this, stating, “These brave men and women died for this flag,” criticizing the perceived hypocrisy in allowing casual attire but rejecting patriotic clothing. “You can wear a camouflage jacket but not something that represents the country,” he said.
He highlighted that the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago in a location not far from his home, adding a personal touch by noting he was born during the bicentennial celebrations of 1976, thus turning 50 this year. He heads a state caucus aimed at reviving manufacturing and advocating for strict penalties for violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
“To mark this occasion, I proposed legislation to give every Pennsylvania household a $250 check. This is part of who I am and what I represent to my family,” D’Avanzo explained. Wearing the same suit during the conversation, he pondered what was wrong with expressing patriotism through attire.
Fox News Digital has reached out to McClinton for her perspective on the matter.
