House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was caught on camera Wednesday snapping at one of her fellow Democrats, the Washington Examiner reports.
See for yourself:
The details
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a virtual address to the members of the United States Congress. Both the members of the U.S. Senate and the House were seated before a stage upon which was the live video of Zelensky.
At the end of the Ukrainian president’s 18-minute speech, the members of Congress decided to give him a standing ovation. As soon as Zelensky was finished, all of the lawmakers rose to their feet clapping, except for one: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).
While everyone else was standing and clapping, Hoyer remained seated, appearing as if he was taking notes. He stayed seated for several seconds until Pelosi, who was right next to him, saw that he was still seated.
Pelosi then gave him one look, and Hoyer jumped to his feet faster than any 82-year-old you’ve ever seen move. It’s unclear if Pelosi said something to him, and, if so, what.
The video goes on to show the members of Congress continuing to clap for some time as Zelensky is shown on the screen making gestures expressing his gratitude.
The latest
Zelensky’s congressional address came as Russia continues its assault on his country. The New York Times reports that Zelensky, “invoked the memories of Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in his virtual address to Congress today as he pressed for a no-fly zone over Ukraine, more weaponry, and more sanctions to defend his country against Russia.”
“In the darkest time for our country, for the whole of Europe, I call on you to do more,” he said. “We need you right now.”
President Joe Biden, not long thereafter, announced that the U.S. would send $800 million of additional military aid to Ukraine. This would be in line with Zelensky’s request for “more weaponry,” as it will include such things as anti-aircraft systems and drones.
Biden, however, still refuses to set up a no-fly zone over Ukraine, worrying that it might escalate the situation. For the same reason, Biden also has not been on board with a plan to send MIG fighter jets to Ukraine.
Following Zelensky’s speech, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said that he believes Biden ought to “provide [Ukraine] the MIGs, provide them the planes, and [Ukraine] can create a no-fly zone, provide them the armament that they need to continue to fight a war that they did not create.”