A Republican lawmaker in Pennsylvania was removed from the State House chamber this week for wearing a patriotic suit that celebrated the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. State Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-Westmoreland, stated that House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, considered his red, white, and blue attire inappropriate for the session.
Davanzo told Fox News Digital that he was speaking with House Minority Whip Timothy O'Neal when he noticed a House photographer taking his picture. Shortly after, he learned from O'Neal that he would not be permitted on the House floor. Davanzo recounted that McClinton informed minority leadership that his suit was not suitable.
Initially, Davanzo remained on the floor until a House security guard approached him, relaying McClinton's demand that he either remove his jacket or leave. Davanzo stated that he chose to leave rather than remove his jacket.
While Davanzo believes McClinton objected to his America 250-themed suit, he noted that some Democratic lawmakers expressed to him afterward that they did not agree with his removal. State Rep. Jordan Davis, D-Philadelphia, reportedly commented on the suit's patriotic nature.
Davanzo drew a parallel between his situation and an instance where Democratic lawmakers were encouraged to wear Pride colors for a House photo during Pride Month. He questioned the perceived double standard, stating, "You're allowed to wear tennis shoes on the floor. You're allow to wear top hats. You can wear camo-jackets. Everything across the board, but don't show up with a patriotic outfit on because you're going to be asked to leave."
He also highlighted the proximity of the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, noting that the Declaration of Independence was signed approximately 250 miles east of his district in Philadelphia. Davanzo, who was born in 1976, also mentioned that he is celebrating his 50th birthday this year.
Davanzo, who leads the America First Caucus in the State House, has previously advocated for policies such as onshoring manufacturing and implementing an automatic death penalty for individuals convicted of murdering Pennsylvanians. He also introduced legislation proposing $250 checks for every Pennsylvania household to commemorate America 250.
"This is what I stand for, this is what believe in. I'm just representing my folks back home of who I am," Davanzo said, referring to his patriotic attire. "This is a big celebration coming up. I want to be patriotic, why not? What is so wrong with what I have on?"
Fox News Digital has reached out to Speaker McClinton for comment.