Congressman Erupts on House Floor over Immigration Gridlock

A Democratic congressman became heated on the House floor over immigration reform.

Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) erupted at the member presiding over the House, Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). Moments before, she warned another Democrat speaking on the floor not to address pro-immigration reform activists sitting in the gallery.

The people in the gallery “would not have to be in the gallery, in those galleries, advocating if this House simply took up the bill,” Polis said.

“Do you think they want to be spending their time here, Madam Speaker? Is that what you think?” Polis asked, becoming angry. “They want to be spending their time here in the gallery, probably traveling at their own expense to Washington?”

Polis then started screaming at Walorski.

“And you’re saying we’re addressing them, and that’s what you’re upset about, Madam Speaker?! I want you, Madam Speaker, to address the reason that they are here! They are here because our government is tearing apart their families, Madam Speaker!”

Jordan Fabian is Fusion’s politics editor, writing about campaigns, Congress, immigration, and more. When he’s not working, you can find him at the ice rink or at home with his wife, Melissa.