Reps. Jim Jordan & Val Demings Get Into Shouting Match: ‘Did I Strike A Nerve?’

Continuing a string of shouting matches on the House committees, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) interrupted a speech from Rep. Val Demings (D-Florida). Demings was protesting a Republican-led amendment in a hate crime prevention bill that would prevent defunding of police departments. Demings noted that the amendment was “completely irrelevant.”

“I served as a law enforcement officer for 27 years,” Demings, the former chief of Orlando police, told the House committee. “It is a tough job, and good police officers deserve your support. You know, it’s interesting to see my colleagues on the other side of the aisle support the police when it is politically convenient to do so.”

Jordan then interrupted Demings, prompting her to slam her desk, saying, “I have the floor, Mr. Jordan. What? Did I strike a nerve?” Demings then said, “Law enforcement officers deserve better than to be utilized as pawns, and you and your colleagues should be ashamed of yourselves.”

Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-New York) then urged both Jordan and Deming to not interrupt each other, but the two continued to shout over Nadler’s gavel. Jordan then requested a point of order, allowing him to further respond to Demings, but Nadler denied his request.