Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) says she was “surprised” by Rep. Hal Rogers’ (R-Ky.) behavior after she asked him to put a mask on while riding the train beneath the U.S. Capitol.
During an appearance on CNN’s “New Day” Wednesday morning, Beatty — the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus — said, “I was very surprised to tell you the truth because in asking him to put his mask on for him to have that kind of attitude is unacceptable.”
“I have no tolerance for bullying. And I also believe in civility, and I think that’s why it’s important for me to express that this is not acceptable,” she added.
Host John Berman noted that Rogers apologized in a statement and asked about a meeting the two lawmakers had after the incident.
Beatty said she demanded an apology and stated that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) spoke to Republican leaders. Then Rogers approached her maskless on the House floor, which led her to take a step back.
“So, with that, he mumbled some words, and I told him it wasn’t acceptable. I wanted a public apology,” she said.
Finally, she said she accepted Rogers’ public apology.
Watch the video below:
"You will not disrespect me … you picked the wrong woman for that."
— CNN This Morning with Audie Cornish (@CNNThisMorning) February 9, 2022
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) says Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) poked her and told her to "kiss my ass" after she asked him to wear a mask on the Capitol subway. Rogers has since apologized for the incident. pic.twitter.com/XjJVcsElRV
On Tuesday, Beatty tweeted, “Today, while heading to the House floor for votes, I respectfully asked my colleague [Rogers] to put on a mask while boarding the train. He then poked my back, demanding I get on the train. When I asked him not to touch me, he responded, “kiss my ass.”
“This is the kind of disrespect we have been fighting for years, and indicative of the larger issue we have with GOP Members flaunting health and safety mandates designed to keep us and our staff safe. When you are ready to grow up and apologize for your behavior, you know where to find me,” she added.
🧵 Today, while heading to the House floor for votes, I respectfully asked my colleague @RepHalRogers to put on a mask while boarding the train. He then poked my back, demanding I get on the train. When I asked him not to touch me, he responded, “kiss my ass.” (1/3)
— Rep. Joyce Beatty (@RepBeatty) February 8, 2022
.@RepHalRogers, when you are ready to grow up and apologize for your behavior, you know where to find me. (3/3)
— Rep. Joyce Beatty (@RepBeatty) February 8, 2022
In a tweet on Tuesday, Rogers said, “This afternoon, I met with [Beatty] to personally apologize. My words were not acceptable and I expressed my regret to her, first and foremost.”
