GOP Congressman Criticizes Teen Senate Pages Resting on Capitol Rotunda Floor
Republican Lawmaker Slams Senate Pages During Capitol Tour
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) made headlines this week after a late-night tour of the U.S. Capitol took an unexpected turn. The former U.S. Navy SEAL was giving a tour to a large group of visitors during the early morning hours on Thursday when he stumbled upon a group of high school-aged Senate pages taking pictures of the building’s dome in the Capitol Rotunda.
“Wake the f*** up you little s***s,” Van Orden reportedly exclaimed, according to a transcript created by one of the pages shortly after the incident occurred. “What the f*** are you all doing? Get the f*** out of here. You are defiling the space you [pieces of s***].”
Van Orden’s outburst continued as he demanded the pages to leave, showing no regard for their role as Senate pages. His remarks sparked outrage from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), both of whom condemned Van Orden’s behavior.
Political Backlash and Refusal to Apologize
“I was shocked when I heard about it, and I am further shocked at his refusal to apologize to these young people,” Schumer expressed. “I can’t speak for the House of Representatives, but I do not think that one member’s disrespect is shared by this body, by Leader McConnell and myself.”
Van Orden’s spokesperson fired back at Schumer, stating, ”Chuck Schumer should think twice before throwing stones in glass houses. When will Schumer hold his own party to the same standard?”
Despite the backlash, Van Orden remained unapologetic and even doubled down on his stance in subsequent media interviews. He explained that the pages’ actions infuriated him because the Capitol Rotunda holds historical significance as a field hospital during the Civil War.
“The Capitol Rotunda served as a field hospital where countless Union soldiers died fighting to free men in the Civil War,” Van Orden stated. “I have long said our nation’s Capitol is a symbol of the sacrifice our servicemen and women have made for this country and should never be treated like a frat house common room. Threatening a congressman with bad press to excuse poor behavior is a reminder of everything that’s wrong with Washington. Luckily, bad press has never bothered me and if it’s the price I pay to stand up for what’s right, then so be it.”
Van Orden’s refusal to apologize only added fuel to the fire, further dividing opinions on his actions.
Past Controversies
This is not the first time Van Orden has sparked controversy. Back in 2021, he made headlines for allegedly causing a scene in a library during Pride Month. According to the Associated Press, Van Orden complained loudly about a display of books about homosexuality in the children’s section, claiming they were propaganda designed to skew young people’s perception of Republicans.
Reportedly, he even checked out every book from the display to prevent others from seeing them, causing outrage among the political Left.
Love him or hate him, Van Orden’s unapologetic nature and willingness to stand up for his beliefs continue to make waves in the political landscape.
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