Matt Gaetz Vows to Push for More Cameras in Congress

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), vowed that he would fight to get more cameras in Congress so citizens have more information “what the elected representatives that people [elected] are doing.”

Referencing Fiery confrontation Between him and Rep. Mike Rogers Gaetz, (R-AL), argued late last week that it was healthy and beneficial for the republic to witness such flare ups and downplayed animosity among the pair. Later, he introduced an amendment to the House rules to allow C-SPAN cameras to be used in the chamber.

WATCH: GAETZ TERMINATES ROGERS AFTER A HEATED EXCHANGE IN CHAOS

“I think what was really different about this is we had cameras actually filming the members of Congress on the floor. That doesn’t usually happen in here. The American people got to see some of the chats and some of the disagreements, and I think that’s actually a good thing for the republic,” Gaetz told NewsNation Tuesday.

(Andrew Harnik/AP)

Last Friday’s 14th vote was held over the speakership Rogers faced Gaetz After a speakership round, Kevin McCarthy (R–CA), was one vote shy of winning the gavel. Gaetz voted “present,” But he could have ended the impasse if he had voted for. Rogers was then captured being physically restrained (R-NC) by Rep. Richard Hudson.

Gaetz followed Forgiveness Rogers is expected to remain on the House Steering Committee despite considering quitting.

“Chairman Rogers was a little frustrated with the position I’d taken. But keep in mind this is a man that I’ve worked with very closely for six years on national defense issues. And so because we have such a close working relationship, it’s OK that you get animated or frustrated and then move past it,” Florida Republican said it.

C-SPAN, the broadcast company that filmed the dramatic encounter, was allowed to have cameras inside the chambers because there wasn’t any rules legislation. This had been made possible by the impasse over the election of the next speaker. The broadcast company had filmed many interactions between House members that are normally not visible to the public. This included a exchange between Gaetz (D-NY) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

C-SPAN announced Monday that cameras will no longer be allowed inside the House after the House rules were approved. Some observers lamented the move, claiming that Congress would be less transparent.

“I’m going to be working with some of my colleagues in the Congress to allow more cameras on the floor to be able to see what the elected representatives that people are doing. And that means you’ll see some moments of high tension,” Gaetz said.

The amendment he unveiled Tuesday’s House Rules Package would permit C-SPAN cameras within the lower chamber. “to record proceedings and for other purposes.” House Democrats are also Planning to introduce Similar legislation was passed to allow cameras inside the chamber.

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After additional Republican holdouts voted present, McCarthy was elected speaker. Gaetz was vocally critical of him throughout the process. But the representative voted “present” McCarthy could be elected to the position by casting his vote on the final ballot.

“At the end of the day, we did come together to elect a speaker. We did come together to pass transformational rules changes [in] the House of Representatives that will outlive me and outlive Kevin McCarthy. And I think that’s the kind of reform to a broken Washington that our constituents demand [of] Congress,” Gaetz said.