Representative Jamie Raskin, the senior Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has proposed launching an inquiry into allegations of alcohol consumption by lawmakers during Thursday’s contentious hearing. Speculations arose that individuals not part of the committee might have been under the influence during the session.
In an interview with Fox News, Raskin remarked, “I personally did not witness any drinking by Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico. However, she did raise concerns about members drinking in the room. If these allegations hold true, it’s certainly grounds for investigation.”
Representative Melanie Stansbury corroborated the claims, stating that “some members in the room were drinking inside the hearing room,” as reported by Axios. She clarified that those allegedly consuming alcohol were not committee members.
The hearing, initially convened by the Oversight Committee on Thursday night, descended into chaos as Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York engaged in a heated dispute. Tensions escalated when Greene accused Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas of wearing “fake eyelashes.”
The committee had gathered for a markup hearing to discuss holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. However, the proceedings quickly devolved, with lawmakers shouting over one another for nearly an hour.
The commotion began with a vote on whether Greene should be allowed to continue speaking. Greene questioned whether any Democrats on the panel were employing the daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing former President Trump’s hush money trial.
The hearing had been delayed earlier in the day, as several Republican members of the panel had traveled to New York to support Trump, leading to a confrontation between Crockett and Greene. When Crockett asked Greene if she understood the purpose of the hearing, Greene responded by criticizing her appearance.
Raskin intervened, admonishing Greene, “That’s beneath even you, Ms. Greene.”
Ocasio-Cortez condemned the attack, describing it as “disgusting” and “absolutely unacceptable” to target someone’s physical appearance.
After a brief recess, the confrontation resumed, with Greene insulting Ocasio-Cortez’s intelligence and refusing to apologize for her earlier remarks.
Crockett later retaliated against Greene, making a pointed remark about her appearance, suggesting racial undertones.
The chaotic scene drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, who agreed that such behavior did not reflect well on Congress.