When Rep. Adam Schiff refused to allow Rep. Elise Stefanik to speak during last week's impeachment hearings, the political world descended into its usual talking points.
Republicans focused on the hypocrisy of a Democratic man silencing a woman, and Democrats accused Rep. Stefanik of grandstanding.
Here's the exchange, in case you missed it. When Rep. Devin Nunes tries to cede his time to Rep. Stafanik, Rep. Schiff refuses to let her speak:
Nunes: I know Ms. Stefanik you had a few quick questions for the ambassador. I yield to you Ms. Stefanik.
Stefanik: Thank you, Mr. Nunes. Ambassador Yovanovitch–
Schiff: The gentlewoman will suspend. The gentlewoman will suspend.
Stefanik: What is the interruption for this time?
Schiff: The gentlewoman will suspend, you’re not recognized. Mr. Nunes–
Nunes: I just recognized Ms. Stefanik.
Schiff: Under the House Res. 660 you are not allowed to yield time except to counsel.
Stefanik: The ranking member to another member of Congress.
Schiff: Nope, nope. That is not accurate.
Nunes: You’re gagging the gentlewoman from New York?
Stefanik: That is accurate. Ambassador Yovanovitch I want to thank you for being here today–
Schiff: The gentlewoman will suspend, you’re not recognized.
Stefanik: This is the fifth time that you have elected members of Congress, duly-elected members of Congress–
Schiff: The gentlewoman will suspend.
Nunes: Mr. Chair, we control the time and customary to this committee, who ever controls the time can yield to whoever they wish. If we have members of Congress who have a few questions, it seems appropriate that we would let Ms. Stefanik ask her question.
Schiff: Mr. Nunes, you or minority counsel are recognized.
Once again, Adam Schiff flat out REFUSES to let duly elected Members of Congress ask questions to the witness, simply because we are Republicans. His behavior is unacceptable and he continues to abuse his Chairmanship. Watch 📺👇 pic.twitter.com/qm9Uj8tiHO
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) November 15, 2019
It's true that Democrats are reacting to Rep. Stefanik's actions much differently than they reacted to Sen. Elizabeth Warren's "nevertheless, she persisted" moment two years ago. But there's a deeper issue at play -- one both sides of the aisle should be able to get behind.
Rep. Schiff's treatment of a young member of Congress encapsulates the elitist attitude so common among senior politicians in D.C. They know what's best, and they're not going to allow anyone to threaten their power.
That applies to junior Congresspeople as well as the American people.
For too long, Washington bureaucrats and politicians have lorded their power over average citizens. They've tried to dictate healthcare decisions, education decisions, property decisions, and finance decisions. They've sought to expand their power at every turn, and just like Rep. Schiff's reaction to Rep. Stefanik, they've crushed every attempt of the people to assert their rights of self-governance.
The Convention of States movement is seeking to change that. Powered by active grassroots organizations in every state, the Convention of States Project is working to call the first-ever Article V Convention of States.
A Convention of States is called and controlled by the states and has the power to propose constitutional amendments that limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government. These amendments can get the feds out of our daily lives, and remind our "leaders" in D.C. that they work for us -- not the other way around.
To show your support and join the team in your state, sign the Convention of States Petition below!
