Explosive row breaks out in US Congress over 'fake eyelashes'
Insults flew between Democrats and Republicans - despite pleas for members not to resort to jibes about each other's physical appearance.
Friday 17 May 2024 22:27, UK
A furious row broke out in the US Congress after a politician accused a rival of not reading something correctly because her "fake eyelashes" had got in the way.
Controversial Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene uttered the insult to rival Democrat Jasmine Crockett during a stormy session on Thursday night.
It came after Democrats asked Ms Greene if she knew "what we're here for" after she asked a question at the House Oversight Committee hearing.
The Republican replied: "I don't think you know what you're here for. I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you're reading."
The remark prompted cries of disgust - including from Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who interjected to ask for the comments to be stricken from the record.
She said: "That is absolutely unacceptable. How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person?"
Ms Greene replied sarcastically: "Are your feelings hurt? Awww."
Ms Ocasio-Cortez fired back: "Oh, girl? Baby girl, don't even play."
Ms Green also said her opponents did not "have enough intelligence" to debate her - prompting audible groans in the room.
Tensions mounted moments later when Ms Crockett asked if committee members would be allowed to "start talking about somebody's bleach blonde, bad-built butch body?"
The comment prompted further uproar - as confused committee chairman James Comer replied: "A what now?"
As politicians from both sides shouted over each other, Ms Crockett said: "I'm trying to get clarification" - while several of her opposite numbers shouted at her to "calm down".
Ms Crockett replied: "Don't tell me to calm down" - while a Republican shot back "You're out of control".
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It came as the committee discussed a resolution to recommend that US attorney general Merrick Garland be held in contempt of Congress.
Mr Garland has refused a Republican request to hand over audio recordings from an investigation into US President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents.
The probe did not result in any charges being levelled against Mr Biden, but did raise concerns about his "poor memory".
The committee approved the resolution, as did fellow politicians on the House Judiciary panel, with members voting along partisan lines. However, it is uncertain if any further action will be taken as a result.