Republican-controlled Tennessee House silences Democratic congressman

Jones criticized Republicans for their ‘authoritarianism’ after they applied the chamber’s recently implemented rules to silence him

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The Republican-controlled Tennessee House of Representatives on Monday cut off Democratic Rep. Justin Jones from speaking for the rest of the day.

Jones criticized Republicans for their “authoritarianism” after they applied the chamber’s recently implemented rules to silence him.

Those rules were designed to rein in members who are perceived as disruptive.

Jones, who is one of the “Tennessee Three,” was cut off from speaking during the remainder of the special session after House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, declared that Jones had violated the new rules.

The Democratic congresswoman had advocated for increased funding for mental health professionals and counselors in schools, better pay for teachers, and a reduced police presence in educational facilities.

The Republican majority’s decision to silence him sparked anger among Democrats, who accused Sexton of selectively applying regulations to turn against gun control advocates.

In April, Republicans had already tried to expel Jones from the House of Representatives after he used a megaphone to call for action on gun violence. Despite that incident, Jones was reinstated to office shortly thereafter and was recently successfully re-elected.

After the latest incident, Jones and other Democrats walked out of the chamber.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers attempted to restore order, but those in the gallery expressed their displeasure with chants calling them “racists” and “fascists.”

Police officers entered the stands to clear them, whereupon the demonstrators moved into the hall and continued their chants.

Earlier, Jones had declared his intention to initiate a vote of no confidence in Speaker Sexton.

Jones stressed that the House must hold the Speaker accountable and restore public confidence.