Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed Democratic lawmakers from House standing committees and subcommittees on Tuesday following disruptions during the recent special session on congressional redistricting.
In a letter addressed to House Democratic Leader Karen Camper dated May 12, Sexton accused members of the Democratic caucus of actions aimed at “disrupting the democratic and legislative processes and creating disorder on the House Floor.”
Letter to House Democratic Leader Karen Camper. (Photo: FOX 17 News)
The letter cited several incidents, including:
- Interlocking arms in the well of the House
- Blocking aisles on the House floor
- Encouraging disruptions with protesters and attendees in the gallery
- The use of prohibited props and noisemakers
- “Flagrant disregard” for House rules
Sexton also alleged members distributed earplugs to another Democratic lawmaker during the demonstrations.
“Members of the Democratic Caucus will receive individual letters removing them from all standing committees and subcommittees of the House,” Sexton wrote.
Individual letters sent to lawmakers informed them they had been removed from committee assignments. One letter sent to Democratic Leader Karen Camper stated she would only remain on the Government Operations Committee, as required under House rules.
Letter to Rep. Powell. (Photo: FOX 17 News)
Another letter addressed to Representative Jason Powell informed him he had been removed from all House standing committees and subcommittees and directed questions to Camper.
The move follows a contentious special session at the Capitol, where lawmakers debated and ultimately approved new congressional district maps. Demonstrations inside and outside committee rooms led to repeated disruptions throughout the week.
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Speaker Sexton has constitutional authority to set that into motion; this will stay in place until he says otherwise.
