On Wednesday, Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) defended Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) against accusations from Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) that he was being used as a “prop” because he’s black. Bishop went on the offensive, defending Donalds’ ability to lead the House of Representatives and accusing Bush of using “tired, old, grotesque, racist rhetoric.”
Bush’s tweet and statement sparked outrage Wednesday and Bishop pointed out that “yesterday, we could have nominated the first black speaker of the House of Representatives.” Bishop was referring to the Republican-nominated candidate, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who is running to once again be the Speaker of the House. Bishop is one of 20 Republicans holding out against McCarthy and his allies are negotiating with them to make concessions and put Freedom Caucus members in key committee positions.
In a statement, Bishop said, “The Speaker of the House is selected by the majority of the House of Representatives. It’s a decision that should be made with thoughtful consideration and respect for the institution of the House, not by disingenuous accusations that degrade the House of Representatives and its members.”
The speaker is usually decided on the first vote and hasn’t gone past one ballot since 1923. Bishop and other Republicans are hoping that their negotiations will result in concessions that will make their votes easier to cast.
Bishop’s defense of Donalds is an important reminder that certain House members are not always respectful of different backgrounds and ethnicities. The accusations by the Democrat representative served as a reminder that racism is sometimes a problem in the House and Bishop’s defense of Donalds signaled that he is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all its members.
