Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) is urging Republican leaders in the House to speak out about controversial statements made by freshman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
During an appearance on CNN on Sunday, Portman was asked if he believes Greene should be punished for her controversial comments.
“I think Republican leaders ought to stand up and say it is totally unacceptable,” Portman said.
He noted that he had watched videos that surfaced of Greene making controversial comments.
When asked if he believes Greene, who was assigned to the House Education and Labor Committee, should be stripped of her committee assignment, Portman said, “I assume that’s something that they’re looking at and I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens. And I think that’s a way to send a message.”
“The voters who elected her in her district in Georiga ought to be respected. On the other hand, when that kind of behavior occurs there has to be a strong response,” he added.
Watch the video below:
“I think Republican leaders ought to stand up and say it is totally unacceptable,” GOP Sen. Rob Portman says about Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s comments, adding he “wouldn’t be surprised” if she was stripped of her committee assignment. https://t.co/HEaMV6J9G2 #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/LwFlteavQ8
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) January 31, 2021
Greene has come under fire after CNN revealed that she appeared to support the killing of prominent Democratic politicians before she took office. Additionally, she promoted conspiracy theories, including that the 9/11 terrorist attacks and some school shootings did not happen and that former President Barack Obama is secretly Muslim.
Amid growing calls for Republican leaders to punish Greene or for the House to expel her, party leaders have been reluctant to speak out about her comments.
However, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is expected to meet with Greene.
Politico notes the California lawmaker went through a similar process in handling former Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) after he defended white nationalism.
McCarthy decided to strip the controversial congressman of his committee assignments after he did not show sufficient remorse for his comments.