Tensions escalated on June 22 as Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell reportedly engaged in a heated confrontation. According to sources cited by the Daily Beast, the exchange allegedly involved Swalwell using offensive language towards McCarthy, while McCarthy allegedly responded with a threatening remark.
The conflict is said to have arisen during the vote to censure California Democratic Representative Adam Schiff. Republican Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna had introduced a resolution aiming to remove Schiff from the U.S. House of Representatives. The vote, which took place on June 21, appears to have triggered the intense disagreement between McCarthy and Swalwell.
As this incident comes to light, it underscores the heightened tensions and divisions within the political arena. The aftermath of the confrontation is likely to be closely monitored by the public and other lawmakers as they consider the implications for the dynamics within the House of Representatives.
“This is pathetic,” Swalwell reportedly told McCarthy while the speaker was presiding over the House. “You’re weak. You’re a weak man.”
The next day, Swalwell was reportedly walking to the bathroom outside the chamber before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s joint address to congress. McCarthy reportedly spotted him and said, ‘If you ever say something like that to me again, I’m gonna kick the shit out of you,’” an unnamed member of Congress told The Daily Beast.
“They were in each other’s faces. Basically nose-to-nose,” the source said, per the Daily Beast. Swalwell reportedly responded with something like, ‘Are we really gonna do this?”
“Call me a pussy again, and I’ll kick your ass,” McCarthy allegedly said.
The two did not end up fighting, but things were reported as tense. Swalwell did not deny the allegations. McCarthy’s team did not immediately respond to the Caller when asked for comment.
