Washington Democratic Senator Pramila Jayapal challenges Alaska Republican Senator Don Young's House Floor comments
Washington Democratic Senator Pramila Jayapal challenges Alaska Republican Senator Don Young’s House Floor comments

WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Washington Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal challenged from Alaska’s Congressman Don Young after Young made personal attacks toward Jayapal during a House floor debate.

“You know I rarely do this but I am deeply disappointed in my good lady from Washington doesn’t know a damn thing what she is talking about,” Young said. “I know your side doesn’t believe in the State’s rights …What you said while ago was really nonsense. It was written by an interest group, not yourself. Maybe your staff is affiliated with the Humane Society or some other group.”

“I am really disturbed. You may not know me, young lady. But I am deeply disturbed,” Young said.

Jayapal interrupted Young, “In his last words, the gentlemen has already impugned my motives by saying that I don’t ‘know a damn thing’ about what I am talking about.” Young claimed he didn’t say damn.  “He’s now called me ‘young lady.’ Mr. Chairman, I ask that he takes down his words,” concluded Jayapal.

The chairman intervened and suspended debate. The presiding officer asked Young to take back his words and apologize to Jayapal.

“To the lady, I do apologize. I get very defensive about my state,” Young said. “I recognize it was out of order, so I hope you accept my apology.”

“I do accept your apology,” Jayapal responded. “I thank you for it. We have obviously some work to get to know each other, but I can tell you that I care about my state as deeply as you do, and I look forward to getting to know you.”

She is the first Indian-American woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, the first woman to represent the 7th District in Congress, and the first Asian-American to represent Washington in Congress.

Jayapal currently serves as the First Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and serves on both the Judiciary and Budget committees.

The 52-year-old Jayapal  was born in India and serves a large region of Washington, including much of Seattle.

You can watch the complete video here.