House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) isn't afraid to bring discipline when it comes to holding fellow Congress members accountable for their actions.
On Tuesday, McCarthy reportedly got into a confrontation with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) over the Democratic Representative's recent outburst against the Speaker.
According to The Daily Beast, Swalwell was seen on the House floor "in the well of the House near the speaker's podium," calling McCarthy "weak" after the Speaker censured House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
The Beast also reports that McCarthy saw Swalwell making his way to the bathroom shortly after his outburst and the two had words.
"McCarthy said, 'If you ever say something like that to me again, I'm gonna kick the s*** out of you,'" a member of Congress who witnessed the exchange told The Beast.
Another witness provided more context, saying McCarthy and Swalwell were "nose-to-nose" and that the Speaker challenged Swalwell, saying: "'Call me a p***y again, and I'll kick your a**.'"
Following this exchange, Swalwell was seen pointing at McCarthy on the House floor, again calling him "weak."
Not one to back down, McCarthy reportedly retorted, "This is pathetic." He then glowered at Swalwell for a few more moments before going back to the House floor to greet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was there to speak before Congress.
McCarthy, who has been Speaker of the House since 2019, is no stranger to taking a firm stance against those who cross the line with their rhetoric. Last June, McCarthy censured Left-wingist Democratic Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) during a House session for the abuses of power he committed while running the Investigation Committee. McCarthy also removed Swalwell and Schiff from the committee for "integrity."
This recent confrontation highlights McCarthy's willingness to stand up for himself and the Republican party. McCarthy understands who holds power in a situation, and he doesn't hesitate to let people know they crossed the line.
Swalwell, on the other hand, has been on a revenge campaign of sorts against McCarthy since then. He is free to believe as he wishes, but his rhetoric has crossed the line by defending Left-wing ideals and accusing McCarthy of being a tool for former President Donald Trump.
This confrontation in the House is a reminder to all members of Congress that their behavior matters, as does their respect for their peers. Americans should expect their representatives to act with respect towards one another, and while McCarthy didn't stoop to name-calling, his firm stand serves as an example to all that there are consequences for bad behavior.
U.S. House censures Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).
House Democrats chant "shame" and interrupt the pronouncement of censure. @SpeakerMcCarthy: "I have all night." pic.twitter.com/VZTUVnkBBt
— CSPAN (@cspan) June 21, 2023
