Rogers ‘lost temper,’ apologizes to Gaetz

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January 9, 2023

After the smoke settled from Friday’s all-nighter on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers apologized to Rep. Matt Gaetz for his actions.

The incident came while the House was debating all week on electing a Speaker. After 15 ballots, Rep. Kevin McCarthy was voted Speaker of the House.

But there was an incident late Friday that highlighted the tense debates among the Republicans.

After the 14th ballot, Rogers (R-Saks) walked down the aisle and confronted Gaetz (R-Florida). However, he was restrained by Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and left.

Rogers tweeted an apology Saturday to Gaetz:

“Rep. Matt Gaetz and I have a long and productive working relationship that I am sure will continue. I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matt’s kind understanding.”

Gaetz accepted the apology for Rogers’ “animated moment.”

“Rep. Mike Rogers and I have six-year productive relationship. We’re going to work wonderfully going forward. I don’t think there should be any reprisal just because he had an animated moment.

“He has my forgiveness and is certainly someone who has done great things for our national defense and will continue to do great things.”

.@RepMattGaetz and I have a long and productive working relationship, that I am sure will continue. I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matt’s kind understanding. https://t.co/8GmbJHO3cK

— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) January 8, 2023

However, some GOP colleagues criticized Rogers’ actions, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene who called it “completely out of line.”

Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina said, “I’ve seen three or four moments like – that would even approach that in my 18 years, and that, that might have just taken the cake.”

Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett said, “I’m honestly – I’m not going to be threatened by anybody, and if somebody puts their hands on me, I will drop them like a bag of dirt.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.