An investigation has been launched after a congressman in the US House of Representatives triggered a fire alarm as his party was trying to delay a crucial budget vote on Saturday.
Jamaal Bowman, a New York Democrat, says it was a mistake. But some people against him say he tried to stop the vote to prevent a government stoppage. The loud noise made everyone leave for an hour. Eventually, they agreed on a plan to prevent the stoppage. The noise happened when Democrats wanted more time to understand and decide on the bill.
US Congress avoids government shutdown in last-minute deal
Today, I was in a hurry to vote, but the usual door was stuck. I admit, I mistakenly set off the fire alarm, thinking it would help open it,” Mr. Bowman explained. He emphasized that he wasn’t trying to delay any vote but instead was rushing to support a bipartisan effort to keep the government running.
Republicans accuse him of purposely trying to disrupt the vote. An investigation is underway. House Speaker McCarthy called it a troubling action. He drew parallels to the treatment of those involved in the Capitol riot. The bill, signed by President Biden just before midnight, keeps the government funded until November 17th.
This proposal, put forth by Mr. McCarthy, pushed back against opposition in his own party. If Congress hadn’t kept the government open, it would have caused delays in pay for many federal employees and military members.
SOURCE:BBC