Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) is lamenting the behavior of Republicans and Democrats during the State of the Union speech.
During an interview with The Washington Post Live on Thursday, Sinema was asked for her reaction to Republicans who shouted at President Joe Biden during his State of the Union address on Tuesday.
“I find it disturbing and sad that the State of the Union has devolved into a junior high softball game,” she began.
The senator stated there were Republicans who “engaged in behavior that I thought was not becoming of elected officials in our country.”
Watch the video below:
.@kyrstensinema on the behavior of certain members of Congress during the State of the Union, “I find it disturbing and sad that the State of the Union has devolved into a junior high softball game … I find it beneath the dignity of the United States Congress." pic.twitter.com/H7T1xTLfw4
— Washington Post Live (@PostLive) February 9, 2023
However, she added, “There were also members of the Democratic Party who would hiss or chant as well. And so, we’ve seen this not just in this year’s State of the Union, but going back for a number of years.”
The senator joked she was concerned lawmakers would start “throwing hot dogs and popcorn at each other.”
“I find that disappointing. To be honest, I find it beneath the dignity of the United States Congress,” she continued. “What I find most disturbing about it is the fact that it’s normalized.”
During his speech on Tuesday, Biden brought up his claim Republicans want to “sunset” Medicare and Social Security.
“Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans — some Republicans — want Medicare and Social Security to sunset,” Biden began. “I’m not saying it’s the majority …”
In case you missed it:
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) yells "you lie, you lie" and "liar" after President Biden says Republicans are proposing to sunset Medicare and Social Security. pic.twitter.com/nhRYn5KC7E
— The Recount (@therecount) February 8, 2023
He was cut off as Congressional Republicans loudly disagreed with his assertion.
Biden responded, “Let me give you … Anybody who doubts it, contact my office. I’ll give you a copy of the proposal.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) was heard yelling, “You lie! … Liar!”
The president quipped, “I’m glad you see … I tell you, I enjoy conversion.”
The Washington Post notes the claim stems from a lengthy list of policy proposals from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
However, Scott has said he does not want to end Social Security or Medicare. And the Post explains the senator’s plan did not receive widespread support among Republicans.
“This is yet another example in which Democrats strain to conjure up a nonexistent GOP plan regarding Social Security and Medicare,” it added.
