Pennsylvania Lawmaker Removed for Patriotic Attire

A Republican lawmaker’s attire celebrating the United States’ 250th founding anniversary led to his removal from Pennsylvania’s Democrat-controlled State House chamber. State Rep. Eric Davanzo, representing a portion of Westmoreland County, arrived at a session wearing a red, white, and blue suit and tie. His attire drew disapproval from House Speaker Joanna McClinton of Southwest Philadelphia.

Davanzo recounted the incident to Fox News Digital, recalling how he greeted colleagues and chatted with House Minority Whip Timothy O’Neal before McClinton informed the minority leadership that his attire was deemed inappropriate. Despite initial resistance, Davanzo left the House floor after a security guard relayed McClinton’s demand to remove his suit jacket or exit the chamber.

What? You’ve got to be kidding.

Although McClinton objected to the patriotic suit, some Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jordan Davis of Philadelphia, expressed disagreement with Davanzo’s ejection. Davis noted the suit’s colorful and patriotic nature.

Davanzo pointed out that thematic attire had been endorsed in the chamber previously. For instance, lawmakers wore Pride colors for a House photo during Pride Month. He highlighted the inconsistency, remarking that while such attire was acceptable, his patriotic attire was not.

He further noted the significance of the upcoming semiquincentennial as the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago in Philadelphia, and he personally celebrates a milestone birthday as a ‘Bicentennial Baby’ born in 1976.

As leader of the America First Caucus, Davanzo supports initiatives like onshoring manufacturing and advocating for severe penalties for illegal immigrants convicted of murder. He also introduced a bill to distribute $250 checks to every family household in Pennsylvania for the semiquincentennial celebration.

In his words, This is a big celebration coming up. I want to be patriotic. Why not? What is so wrong with what I have on? His patriotic suit remained his choice of attire during the interview.