Marjorie Taylor Greene suggests stepmoms aren’t real mothers in nasty hearing clash
Ms Greene’s insult is the latest in her controverisal outbursts during committee hearings
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene told a woman with stepchildren that she is “not a mother” in her latest outburst at a House hearing.
Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), appeared in front of the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Select Coronavirus Crisis on Wednesday to answer questions about school closures during the pandemic.
During Ms Greene’s time for questioning, she pressed Ms Weingarten about her recommendation to close schools and attempted to discredit her expertise.
“Are you a medical doctor?” the Georgia Republican asked Ms Weingarten.
Ms Weingarten replied, “I am not.”
“Are you a mother?” Ms Greene asked.
Marjorie Taylor Greene faces wave of mockery after saying she ‘stands with Tucker Carlson’
Marjorie Taylor Greene under fire for goading Democrat over ‘affair’ in middle of committee hearing
Marjorie Taylor Greene shut down by GOP committee chair after she calls Homeland Security Secretary a liar at hearing
Ms Weingarten replied, “I am a mother by marriage.”
Ms Greene responded sceptically, “I see, by marriage.”
Ms Greene continued to challenge Ms Weingarten’s experience and knowledge about modern schools, saying the head of the AFT had not taught a full classroom since June 1997.
“You had no business advising the CDC what the medical guidelines were for school closures because now we have a nation of schoolchildren who have suffered because of it,” Ms Greene said.
She continued with, “You’re just a political activist, not a teacher, not a mother, not a medical doctor.”
After Ms Greene’s time was up, Democratic Rep Eric Garcia of California made a point of order to note that Ms Greene’s decorum and attacks on Ms Weingarten were “unacceptable”.
“It would be nice if we didn’t attack the witnesses, particularly, when making a decision on whether or not she’s a mother. You are a mother, thank you for being a great parent,” Mr Garcia said.
Representative Raul Ruiz, another California Democrat, asked for Ms Greene’s remarks to be taken from the record but Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) clarified that Ms Greene’s comments were not in violation of House rules.
Ms Greene’s insult is the latest in her controversial outbursts during House committee hearings. Last week, Ms Greene was barred from speaking during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing after calling a witness a “liar.”
On Twitter, Ms Weingarten re-tweeted several comments from people who condemned Ms Greene’s attack.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments