California Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter masterfully handled a witness testifying for Republicans on the issue of gun control, making it clear that she wasn’t about to be steamrolled and lied to.
Amy Swearer of the right-wing Heritage Foundation was appearing before the House Oversight Committee, and she immediately suggested Porter had incorrectly accused her of perjury regarding legislation on assault weapons:
“Would you like the explanation?” Swearer asked Porter, to which the congresswoman replied:
“I have not yielded, Ms. Swearer.”
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) squawked that Swearer had not been allowed to answer, but he was promptly ruled out of order by the committee chair.
Swearer then got even angrier:
“I have been accused of falsely testifying under oath and I would like to address it!”
Porter:
“Earlier today, you testified you hope this is the last time you have to testify before this Congress. For the sake of our nation and the integrity of this Congress, I do too.”
The witness responded:
“I said after a mass shooting. Trying to figure out how to solve a problem that we are heavily invested in solving.
“How dare you.”
Once again, Porter had the perfect comeback:
“Reclaiming my time. How dare you misstate the law.”
Seething, Swearen hissed:
“How dare you ask questions that you do not even want the answer to.”
Rather than let Swearen continue, Porter told her:
“Ms. Swearer, I’m moving on.”
