Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and Mike Rogers, R-Ala., publicly resolved their differences Sunday after tensions erupted on the House floor Friday night during votes for House speaker. Camera.
Rogers was physically restrained after he charged Gaetz.
The two Republican congressmen appeared to make amends in tweets on Sunday.
Gaetz said Rogers had his «pardon» and should not face «any punishment or retaliation just because he had a lively moment.»
Rogers, retweeting Gaetz’s comment, said: «I’m sorry I briefly lost my temper in the House on Friday night and I appreciate Matt’s kind understanding.»
The dispute came after Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California suffered a 14th-ballot defeat at the hands of a small group of ultra-conservatives that included Gaetz after McCarthy allies thought they had gotten the necessary votes. to finally reach a simple majority.
After Gaetz voted present on the 14th ballot, McCarthy approached Gaetz in the back of the chamber, where a tense exchange ensued, with several Republican lawmakers approaching them. Rogers, the incoming chairman of the powerful Armed Services Committee, then walked over and appeared to lunge in Gaetz’s direction, but was physically restrained by Rep. Richard Hudson, RN.C., before leaving.
McCarthy ultimately won the votes to secure the presidency on the 15th ballot, when Gaetz and several other McCarthy opponents changed their votes to «present.»
