Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, the highest-profile Democratic freshman on Capitol Hill, presided over the House of Representatives chamber for the first time — and had to introduce Louie Gohmert, probably the most outspoken right-winger in Congress.
The Bronx-and-Queens lawmaker, 29, took the gavel early Friday afternoon after the close of legislative business, as the chamber segued into floor speeches, on which members can address virtually any topic. The sponsor of the Green New Deal and other far-left causes, then recognized Gohmert, a Texas Republican and vehement supporter of President Trump.
“Under the speaker’s announced policy of Jan. 3, 2019 the gentleman from Texas, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee for the minority leader,” she said, after looking left and right for seeming instructions from parliamentary aides just off the speaker’s rostrum.
Her words were routine enough, part of a carefully scripted House routine for floor sessions. The designated speaker is a stand-in for the speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., so that individual doesn’t have to spend the bulk of their time on legislative minutiae.
