House hearing erupts as Plaskett demands Bessent stop interrupting

During a recent House Ways and Means Committee hearing, tensions ran high as Del. Stacey Plaskett, D-Virgin Islands, clashed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The exchange began when Bessent disputed a chart presented by Plaskett, which highlighted the cost of living but only went up until February of this year. Plaskett quickly shut down Bessent’s attempt to interrupt her, asserting her authority over the conversation.

“I’ve seen you interrupt everyone. When you come to someone’s house, you respect their rules. And in this house, we don’t interrupt individuals. And you’re not going to interrupt my time,” Plaskett firmly stated. She made it clear that Bessent would have his chance to respond, but only after she had finished speaking.

As the back-and-forth continued, Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, asked Bessent where Plaskett had gone wrong in her statement. Bessent took the opportunity to criticize the chart presented by Plaskett, claiming it was outdated and misleading. He also touted the success of the stock market, emphasizing its growth since the beginning of the year.

Plaskett attempted to interject, but Moran reminded her that it was his time to speak. Bessent took the opportunity to mock Plaskett, stating, “And we don’t interrupt, excuse me, we don’t interrupt is what I learned.”

Following the hearing, Plaskett faced criticism from social media users, including one who made a derogatory remark about her. Plaskett responded defiantly, embracing the insult and highlighting her resilience.

The focus of the committee hearing was on trade and tax policies, important topics as Congress navigates the reconciliation bill and negotiates trade deals with other nations. Bessent is set to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, continuing the discussion on these critical issues.

Overall, the tense exchange between Plaskett and Bessent highlighted the intense debates surrounding economic policies in Washington. As lawmakers continue to grapple with complex issues, it is clear that strong personalities and differing opinions will continue to clash in the halls of Congress.