update: Speaker Johnson announces he will not impose a fine on Thomas Massie
After seeing Rep. Massey’s tweet, our team reached out to Sgt. I disagree with this assessment and Congressman Massey will not be fined. https://t.co/isqVHdVjUQ
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) April 23, 2024
As the House passes tens of billions of dollars in funding for far-flung Ukraine’s war effort against Russia, the House sergeant-at-arms told Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) that X Democratic members of Congress were waving Ukrainian flags. He threatened to fine him $500 for posting the video. according to To Massey.
Massey’s surreal video, taken from the House chamber, appears to violate House rules, which are routinely violated.
U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) speaks with U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ky.) during a press conference calling for the removal of Dr. Anthony Fauci at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on June 15. 2021. (Photo by Jim Watson/AFP) (Photo by Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
Instead of fining the Democratic congressman who waved the flag, the House Sergeant-at-Arms called and said he would fine him $500 if he didn’t remove the video post.
Mike Johnson really wants to remember this betrayal of America. https://t.co/5DPWoo4cLw
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 23, 2024
video post As of Tuesday afternoon, it had been viewed more than 5.5 million times. Massey’s caption reads: “This is the United States House of Representatives, under the direction of Speaker Mike Johnson.” “Democrats are celebrating his complete surrender without a victory to secure the border.”
Mike Johnson speaks to reporters moments after lawmakers moved closer to passing a $95 billion national security aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies at the Capitol on Friday, April 19, 2024 in Washington. Speaker of the House of Representatives (Republican, Louisiana). (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Democrats appear to be violating House rules themselves by waving the flag on the House floor, but no one appears to have publicly disclosed that they have been fined.
Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), among others, rushed to the stage during the spectacle, with Roy telling Democrats, “We need to put the flag back in our pockets now.” ” he said. , we’re going to force every procedural vote…we’re going to make them miss their flight. ” They stopped immediately.
Roy and Boebert said they called Johnson into the chair to address Democrats. “It’s not polite to wave the flag on the floor,” Johnson finally told the group, smiling broadly, more than a minute after he started waving the flag.
The Sergeant at Arms of the House functions under the direction of the Speaker or Speaker. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) appears to blame House Speaker Johnson for the Arms threat and unequal justice.
“Democrats waved a foreign flag and violated the decorum of the House. No fines. No reaction,” he posted on X.I recorded it and published it. He has been threatened with fines if he does not remove the video.
“Covering the Democrats. Punishing the Republicans. Not what I expected from the Republican majority.”
Democrats violated the decorum of the House by waving foreign flags.
There are no fines.
No reaction.@RepThomasMasie I recorded it and published it.
He has been threatened with fines if he does not remove the video.
Covering the Democratic Party.
Punish Republicans.
Not what I expected from the Republican majority. https://t.co/RlAfsh3EEB
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) April 23, 2024
Massey did not say whether he would pay a fine or delete the video.boebert answered At X she said she would cover the cost.
“I’m going to write a check for $500 to cover my friend Thomas Massey’s fine. Co-chairman, please leave the video alone!” she said.
I am going to write a check for $500 to cover my friend Thomas Massey’s fine.
Please leave the video alone, Co-Chairman!
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) April 23, 2024
Bradley Jay is Breitbart News’ Capitol Hill correspondent. Follow him on X/Twitter. @BradleyAJay.
