Republicans erupted against Rep. Eric Swalwell on Tuesday evening after he used the word “s–thole” on the House floor, leading the House chairwoman to slam the gavel to restore order.
“We have an opportunity today to condemn or condone,” Swalwell began, referring to President Trump’s rhetoric. “Birtherism is racist. Saying a Mexican judge can’t be fair because of his heritage is racist. Saying immigrants from Mexico are rapists is racist. Saying there were good people on both sides in Charlottesville is racist. Calling African countries ‘s–thole countries’ is racist, and telling four members of this body to go home is racist.”
Republicans started shouting “order” at the California Democrat for breaking parliamentary rules of decorum that forbid profanity.
Swalwell, 38, started arguing with Republican Georgia Rep. Doug Collins before the chairwoman slammed the gavel and said: “The gentleman from California is out of order. Gentleman from California shall suspend.”
“I make a point of order that the gentleman’s words are unparliamentary and I request they be taken down,” Collins said.
Swalwell later said he would retract his use of the word “s–thole” and he gave his statement again without using the word.
The remarks followed chaos on the House floor where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was banned and unbanned the same day after calling Trump’s Sunday tweets racist.
Swalwell was the first Democratic presidential candidate to drop out of the primary race after garnering virtually no support.
