House session erupts into heated shouting match

February 27, 2019 12:46 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An unexpected shouting match erupted on the floor of the Rhode Island House of Representatives Tuesday night. Rep. Joseph Almeida was honoring U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves as part of Black History Month, when he broadened his remarks to recognize two fellow members, Reps. Anastasia Williams and Marvin Abney.

Deputy Speaker Charlene Lima interrupted, arguing Almeida’s comments were off topic, but Rep. Raymond Hull backed Almeida up.

“I don’t want to violate any rules,” said Lima.

“We’re not violating anything. He is speaking,” said Hull.

When Hull continued to object, Lima made an unusual threat, saying, “Representative Hull, if you keep disrupting this House I will ask the Sheriff to take you off the floor until you can comport yourself. Sit down.”

Rep. Anastasia Williams blasted the Deputy Speaker’s handling of the situation.

“I know that you got it going on, and I know that you have more respect in you to give than what you just demonstrated. Please do not disrespect the community of color in Black History Month, at this time in this chamber, now or ever, ever again,” said Williams.

Things continued to escalate until Speaker Mattiello took the gavel back, allowing Rep. Almeida to finish.

Government watchdog John Marion says Rhode Island doesn’t have clear rules about when it’s appropriate to throw a member out, but said the Deputy Speaker was taking some liberties.

“Actually physically removing somebody from the floor or is threatening to have them removed from the floor is an excessive step,” said Marion.

In a series of tweets Deputy Speaker Lima defended how she handled things, saying:
“My job is to uphold the rules of the House without exception.”
“…I would do the same for any member who disrupts the decorum of the House after repeated request to follow the rules.”

Speaking to reporters Wednesday morning, Speaker Mattiello says he doesn’t blame any one person for what happened, but suggested those involved could have handled things differently.

Video courtesy: Capitol TV