A Pennsylvania Republican state representative was removed from the House floor on Tuesday after Democratic leadership deemed his American flag-themed jacket a prohibited “costume” ahead of Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary.
State Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-Westmoreland, arrived wearing a flamboyant red-and-white striped jacket paired with a blue star-spangled tie.
House Speaker Joanna McClinton ruled the attire violated chamber dress rules requiring “appropriate business attire,” directing him to remove the jacket or leave the floor.
“We don’t allow costumes on the floor of the House for any holiday,” McClinton said. “We are very patriotic. That’s why we have two huge United States of America flags in the back of the House.”
She added, “You can wear a costume jacket in your office. But on the floor of the House, we have a quorum for all members, no matter the holiday.”
Davanzo rejected the characterization, stating: “This isn’t a costume. I wear this back home … I’ll wear this again next week. I love my country.” He also said: “This is just me showing off my patriotism.”
McClinton noted that Davanzo was not singled out, saying members have previously been asked to remove oversized hats and other items from the House floor.
Davanzo wrote on social media: “Kicked off the floor for wearing a Patriotic jacket? That’s right, it happened!” He later added: “I will never apologize for putting patriotism before politics. We love our country.”
State Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, praised the jacket, remarking: “That is a very colorful jacket that the representative is wearing today. Very patriotic, I see, my friend.”
Davanzo said fellow lawmakers praised the outfit, stating: “Everybody loved it. They come up, people gave me hugs, shaking my hands, ‘Hey, this is great.’”
According to Davanzo, House Whip Mike Schlossberg told him to remove the jacket or leave, and a Capitol security guard later repeated the directive.
Davanzo argued lawmakers were focused on the wrong priorities, noting Pennsylvania missed its budget deadline for the fifth consecutive year. “We have an affordability crisis; people can’t afford stuff,” he said. “Instead of coming out here and doing the people’s work, no, what are we focused on? We’re focused on bullst issues like this jacket.”
He emphasized: “This wasn’t a costume. This is something that I truly believe in. I’m a patriot.”
