Dem leader orders security to boot Republican off House floor for wearing stars and stripes business suit

As the nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of American independence, a Pennsylvania Republican says he was effectively thrown off the House floor for committing what some critics are calling an unforgivable offense in modern politics, being too patriotic.

State Rep. Eric Davanzo says Democratic House leadership ordered him to either remove his red, white, and blue America 250-themed jacket or leave the chamber during Tuesday’s legislative session in Harrisburg.

Davanzo, who represents parts of Westmoreland County and serves as chairman of the Pennsylvania House America First Caucus, arrived at the Capitol wearing a patriotic suit honoring the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration.

“We were talking, I turned around when a House photographer got a picture,” Davanzo recalled. “The next thing I know Whip O’Neal is gone.” A short time later, House Minority Whip Tim O’Neal reportedly returned with unexpected news.

“He says, ‘Hey, you’re not going to like this,'” Davanzo said.

The message from Democratic House Speaker Joanna McClinton, according to Davanzo, was simple: the jacket had to go. “I’m like, ‘What? You’ve got to be kidding,'” the Republican lawmaker said.

Davanzo initially remained on the floor before a Capitol security officer reportedly informed him that leadership wanted him to either remove the jacket or leave the chamber.

“Instead of taking my jacket off, I walked off the House floor,” he said. The dispute immediately raised questions about consistency in House rules and whether political symbolism is being treated differently depending on the message being conveyed.

Davanzo noted that lawmakers have previously been encouraged to wear themed attire for other causes and observances. “They were asked to dress in pride colors because they were going to do a House photo on the floor,” he said.

“That’s OK. We can take our photos for pride but we can’t show up as a patriot and take a photo or even get on the House floor apparently.”

The Pennsylvania Republican said even some Democratic colleagues privately questioned the decision. One lawmaker, Philadelphia Democrat Jordan Davis, reportedly joked that Davanzo was wearing “a very colorful jacket” and added, “Very patriotic, I see, my friend.”

“This is a big celebration coming up. I want to be patriotic, why not?” Davanzo said. “What is so wrong with what I have on?” The lawmaker also noted that he was born during America’s Bicentennial year in 1976 and is celebrating his 50th birthday alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary.

This happened in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania! The state where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The state preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. You couldn’t script it any better if you were trying to write political satire.

Davanzo’s point about Pride Month struck a nerve because people have eyes. Americans have watched government buildings light up in every color imaginable. They’ve watched public officials celebrate dozens of identity-based causes. They’ve watched entire institutions bend over backward to showcase solidarity campaigns. But somehow a suit covered in red, white, and blue creates a controversy?

Really?