Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) chased a photographer outside the Capitol on Wednesday, saying that catching him on camera was a “hole” amid growing concerns about the 11-term congressman's cognitive abilities. ” he shouted.
Scott, 79, was being wheeled into the building in a wheelchair by staff when Politico photographer Francis Chan began taking photos.
“Who gave you the right to take my picture, Hall?” the Georgia Democrat exclaimed. Punch Bowl News reported.
His spokesperson later confronted Mr Chung and slammed the photographer, saying he “shouldn't have made the tackle”.[ing] photograph[s] A picture of us trying to enter the National Diet Building in the future.
“We would like to strongly urge you not to do such a thing,” the official added. “Any editor that needs to be contacted, we will be in touch.”
Scott has been chairman of the House Agriculture Committee since January 2021, but some colleagues have expressed serious concerns about his mental fitness.
Congressional officials who interacted with Scott from late 2023 to 2024 say that as the committee's top Democrat, he read the script well and had “no effort” in discussing the finer points of policy. “I'm there.” politiko.
another democrat told Punchbowl in September Many members of the House caucus say they believe Scott can no longer even lead the committee.
“I've never met a member of Congress who didn't have concerns,” the Democratic representative said. “There was a lot of frustration leading up to the markup. It required a public relations strategy and a legislative strategy, and it took a long time to organize it.”
Despite his position as a senior committee member, the lawmaker is known to leave Agriculture Committee meetings midway through and not return.
“I think almost everyone supports the new leadership, but if someone is against it, they're not telling the truth,” another Democrat told Politico.
“David Scott is Exhibit A for term limits,” he added. “He was a well-respected and talented member of the team, but his ability has diminished. And that's painful for people to see.”
People close to the Georgia congressman also said that going back to 2022, the congressman “sometimes loses focus on certain topics.” According to the outlet.
That same year, the Democratic Agriculture Committee stated, “I have the utmost respect for Chairman Scott.'' “But he could do a better job.”
“We don't necessarily know if it's because of his health or what, but something is wrong,” the rep added.
Another Democrat on the Agriculture Committee told Politico in 2022. He's having a hard time getting around,” she added, “but I have real doubts about whether he's consenting to that.”
In an interview with the newspaper that year, Scott dismissed the concerns as nothing more than a power play to remove him from leadership.
“There are people out there who want to be chairman, and they see you on a cane to help you get around,” he retorted.
“People shouldn’t take the fact that you have a little leg problem and take away your chances.”
Scott's office did not immediately respond to The Post's inquiries.
