Rep. Gary Palmer cosponsored a resolution by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis to expel Rep. Jamaal Bowman from Congress.
According to the Associated Press, Bowman triggered a fire alarm Saturday in one of the U.S. Capitol office buildings as lawmakers were trying to pass a bill to fund the government before the midnight deadline.
Bowman claims it was a mistake.
“Congressman Bowman’s actions on Saturday were unacceptable and illegal,” said Rep. Palmer. “Not only is pulling a fire alarm without cause a crime, but doing so in attempt to delay a vote is unbecoming of a Member of Congress. These actions have no place in Congress and neither does Jamaal Bowman. I fully support his immediate expulsion from Congress and have already co-sponsored legislation to do so.”
Actions like pulling a fire alarm to delay a vote have no place in Congress, and neither does Jamaal Bowman.
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) October 2, 2023
I signed onto @RepMalliotakis' legislation to expel him from Congress.
Read my full statement below⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SAbIrT4Hdg
In a press release, Bowman stated, “I want to personally clear up confusion surrounding today’s events. Today, as I was rushing to make a vote, I came to a door that is usually open for votes but today would not open. I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door. I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused.
“But I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote. It was the exact opposite — I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open. I also met after the vote with the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police, at their request, and explained what had happened. My hope is that no one will make more of this than it was. I am working hard every day, including today, to do my job, to do it well, and deliver for my constituents.”
Rep. Malliotakis wrote on X, “Today I’ll be introducing my resolution to EXPEL @RepBowman for his pathetic antics to delay congressional proceedings 12 HOURS before a shutdown. Of all people, a high school principal knows what a FIRE alarm does. No one is buying the excuses & he must be held accountable!”
