Tensions between Republicans and Democrats on funding for the Department of Homeland Security boiled over Thursday night.
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., were having a bit of a tiff over the scheduling of Friday’s votes late Thursday night — and Hoyer wanted McCarthy to know his displeasure.
After Hoyer criticized Republicans for leaving Homeland Security “twisting in the wind” — GOP members present responded with groans — McCarthy reclaimed his time on the floor from Hoyer immediately and said the voting schedule Friday would proceed as planned.
“This House has taken action to make sure the DHS is fully funded … We did our part and I yield back,” McCarthy said back, before walking away to continue voting.
“You coward,” Hoyer retorted to McCarthy — which C-SPAN was able to get on broadcast.
Katie Grant, a Hoyer spokeswoman, said her boss apologized to McCarthy for the remark, who accepted it, the Washington Post reported. McCarthy’s office declined to comment.
