House Hearing Erupts in Chaos: Ocasio-Cortez and Greene Trade Insults, Speaker Condemns 'Disgraceful' Behavior

A House hearing on Attorney General Merrick Garland's contempt of Congress spiraled out of control Thursday evening, as Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Marjorie Taylor Greene engaged in a heated exchange that escalated to personal insults. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has denounced the incident, calling it a "disgrace" and urging members to maintain decorum.

The 'Outnumbered' panel expressed outrage and dismay over the fiery House hearing that devolved into chaos after lawmakers traded personal insults at one another. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) condemned the incident, emphasizing the importance of decorum and respect in congressional debate.

"It's not a good look for Congress," Johnson told reporters on Friday. "We have to treat one another with dignity and respect."

The Republican speaker criticized both parties, acknowledging that while vigorous debate is essential, personal attacks are unacceptable.

"Vigorous debate is what this institution is built upon," he said. "But we have to treat one another with dignity and respect."

The hearing took a chaotic turn after Greene made a disparaging remark about her Democrat colleague, Rep. Jasmine Crockett. "I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you're reading," Greene said.

Ocasio-Cortez swiftly condemned Greene's comment, moving to have her words "taken down" and expressing outrage at her attempt to attack another person's physical appearance.

"How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person?" Ocasio-Cortez exclaimed.

Greene responded with a dismissive "Are your feelings hurt?" and continued to taunt Ocasio-Cortez, calling her "baby girl."

Speaker Johnson chastised both Greene and Ocasio-Cortez for their uncivil behavior, emphasizing that such conduct undermines the integrity of the House.

"Decorum is an important principle to maintain," he said. "We need people on both sides of the aisle to just, I think, just take the emotion out of it."

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) attempted to restore order amid the commotion, pleading with members to focus on the purpose of the hearing. However, his efforts were met with audible groans from the chamber.

Despite the chaos, the hearing concluded with a 24-20 vote along party lines to recommend holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress.

Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) denounced the hearing's descent into chaos, calling it "an outright name-calling and insults."

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) sarcastically characterized the hearing as "totally normal."

The House hearing on Attorney General Merrick Garland's contempt of Congress has sparked widespread condemnation for its uncivil and chaotic atmosphere. Speaker Johnson and other members of Congress have called for a restoration of decorum and respect in congressional debate, emphasizing that personal insults and attacks have no place in the legislative process.