Video: Chaos Breaks Out in House Hearing After Witnesses Leave Without Cross-Examination

A prolonged period of chaos broke out in a House hearing after witnesses were dismissed without being cross-examined

On Thursday, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) testified before the subcommittee investigating the “weaponization of the federal government.”

However, they left before lawmakers were able to probe their testimony to see how accurate it was.

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) suggested Landry and Schmitt presented testimony that was not accurate as he said, “These two witnesses have just presented evidence that I think, in part, is false. And I would like the opportunity to cross-examine those witnesses.”

Chairman 👤Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said, “Those witnesses aren’t here.”

After some debate over whether Lynch was recognized to speak, Jordan said, “I’m now recognizing Mr. Johnson because you’re not stating your point of order any longer, you’re making a speech.”

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) chimed in to defend the decision to let Landry and Schmitt leave. He also argued it was fair as he claimed Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) previously delivered testimony “that was pretty salacious” during a hearing and was allowed to leave before he could be cross-examined.

Watch the exchange below:

However, another member of the committee took Johnson describing Raskin’s comments as “salacious.” She said, “Salacious has to do with sexual content. And I don’t think that our colleague Mr. Raskin presented salacious content.”

The chaos continued with members talking over each other as Jordan sought to restore order in the hearing. He said, “The gentleman from Louisiana said it was not salacious, it was outrageous. He changed the term.”