U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AR) found himself in hot water after being caught voting remotely for a committee “markup” from his boat.
When it came time to vote during Friday’s House Transportation Committee hearing, the scene of water and blue sky could be seen behind Congressman Staton, who appeared to be floating.
Committee chairman Rep. Peter DeFazio called out Stanton soon after noticing the background. “Is Stanton rowing a boat?” DeFazio asked one of his colleagues at the hearing.
Democrat @RepGregStanton isn’t even trying anymore. Living the life on Arizona taxpayers’ dime! https://t.co/mLVKk8kSS1
— Arizona Republican Party (@AZGOP) July 17, 2020
As video of the vote-by-boat began to circulate, Stanton’s spokesperson confirmed that the Arizona Congressman was on a boat in Utah where he was visiting family.
AZ Central pointed out that the move by Stanton comes “at a time when most of his constituents in Phoenix are homebound in a state that has struggled mightily to bring down its COVID-19 infections.”
Stanton issued an apology later on Friday, where he tweeted, “There’s no getting around it: I messed up and I’m sorry for it. I participated in the five-hour markup mostly from inside and went outside to watch my kids (while listening in the entire time) shortly before the vote was called.”
Rep. Stanton’s Official Tweet
There’s no getting around it: I messed up and I’m sorry for it. I participated in the five-hour markup mostly from inside and went outside to watch my kids (while listening in the entire time) shortly before the vote was called.
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) July 17, 2020
Republican Congressman Paul Gosar, who also represents a district in Arizona, blasted Stanton after learning of the situation.
We leave you with his tweet:
Exactly as I predicted. The democrats enacted “proxy” and “remote” voting. These guys are literally phoning it in while half way across the country. “CONGRESS” means “coming together for a meeting.” This is more like a zoom call now. https://t.co/6PrqfMZ92h
— Paul Gosar (@DrPaulGosar) July 17, 2020
