Rep. Derrick Van Orden defends his actions towards Senate pages: ‘I don’t care who you are. Leave.’
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) Faces Backlash for Disrespectful Encounter with Senate Pages
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), a retired Navy SEAL and freshman GOP representative, is currently under fire for his recent behavior during an evening tour of the Capitol. According to a transcript written by a Senate page, Van Orden was heard yelling and cursing at the pages, referring to them as “lazy s***s” and demanding that they “get the f*** up” off the Capitol Rotunda where they were lying down and taking photos.
Senate Pages: Dedicated Assistants in the Chamber
Senate pages, typically high school-aged individuals, play a crucial role in the chamber by delivering correspondence and legislative materials, among other tasks. However, Van Orden seemed dismissive of their responsibilities, asking them, “Who the f*** are you?” and insisting that they leave. He even went as far as calling them “jackasses.”
Van Orden did not deny the incident but instead expressed his frustration with the pages treating the Capitol “like a frat house common room.” He emphasized the historical significance of the Capitol Rotunda, which served as a hospital for wounded troops during the Civil War, suggesting that the pages’ actions were disrespectful.
The incident occurred after midnight while Senate pages were working late to assist members with markups for the National Defense Authorization Act before the August recess.
Van Orden Stands Firm Despite Criticism
When confronted with the transcript of the interaction, Van Orden responded defiantly, stating, “Threatening a congressman with bad press to excuse poor behavior is a reminder of everything that’s wrong with Washington.” He further added, “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.”
It remains to be seen how this incident will impact Van Orden’s reputation and standing within the political community.
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