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House members throw food in display of partisanship

What a day for the House of Representatives.

It began as most do, with the leaders of both parties taking what's commonly known as the "Hate Oath," a bizarre pagan ritual involving snakes and dark wigs, before commencing daily business on the Hill. No big deal. But as members began hammering out the final details of the much-maligned domestic surveillance bill floated by President Bush, things went to pieces — fast.

When it became clear Democrats had decided to refuse to allow the bill — which would let telecommunications companies off the hook for providing warrant-less domestic spying to the government — to pass a floor vote, Republicans upped the ante, staging a controversial procedural vote during a memorial service for Rep. Tom Lantos, a California Dem who died last week.

Appalled, the Democrats then voted to hold former Bush administration officials Josh Bolton and Harriet Miers in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify before a House investigative committee. In return, the Republicans staged a mass walkout.

Still not satisfied, Democrats followed them out and heaved large mounds of food — stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot dogs, nachos, burritos, salads, basically anything served in the basement cafeteria — into the general direction of their Congressional counterparts. It prompted a veritable food fight, with Kentucky Rep. Geoff Davis, R-4, heaving a "grande" coffee at House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who was totally not expecting it.

Aside from scrapes and bruises, no major injuries were reported to the Capitol Hill security office.



Home > News > House members throw food in display of partisanship House members throw food in display of partisanship What a day for the House of Representatives. It began as most do, with the leaders of both parties taking what's commonly known as the "Hate Oath," a bizarre pagan ritual involving snakes and dark wigs, before commencing daily business on the Hill. No big deal. But as members began hammering out the final details of the much-maligned domestic surveillance bill floated by President Bush, things went to pieces — fast. When it became clear Democrats had decided to refuse to allow the bill — which would let telecommunications companies off the hook for providing warrant-less domestic spying to the government — to pass a floor vote, Republicans upped the ante, staging a controversial procedural vote during a memorial service for Rep. Tom Lantos, a California Dem who died last week. Appalled, the Democrats then voted to hold former Bush administration officials Josh Bolton and Harriet Miers in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify before a House investigative committee. In return, the Republicans staged a mass walkout. Still not satisfied, Democrats followed them out and heaved large mounds of food — stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot dogs, nachos, burritos, salads, basically anything served in the basement cafeteria — into the general direction of their Congressional counterparts. It prompted a veritable food fight, with Kentucky Rep. Geoff Davis, R-4, heaving a "grande" coffee at House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who was totally not expecting it. Aside from scrapes and bruises, no major injuries were reported to the Capitol Hill security office.