A Pennsylvania Republican state lawmaker was removed from the state House floor this week after wearing an American flag-themed jacket that Democratic leadership said violated chamber dress standards, triggering a partisan dispute over decorum rules and political expression inside the Capitol.
State Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) said he was ordered to either remove the jacket or leave the chamber during Tuesday’s session.
He ultimately exited the floor rather than comply, later saying he viewed the garment as a patriotic expression ahead of Independence Day and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Davanzo arrived at the Capitol wearing a red-and-white striped jacket paired with a blue tie patterned with white stars.
He said he initially proceeded onto the House floor as normal before being approached after leadership reviewed his attire during the session.
House Speaker Joanna McClinton ruled that the jacket violated House rules requiring “appropriate business attire,” stating that costumes are not permitted on the floor.
McClinton said members are free to express patriotism but must do so within established standards, noting that themed or costume-like clothing has been restricted in prior instances.
Davanzo rejected the characterization of his outfit as a costume. “This isn’t a costume. I wear this back home … I’ll wear this again next week. I love my country,” he said, arguing that enforcement of dress standards has been inconsistent across members.
According to Davanzo, he was first directed to remove the jacket by House Whip Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh), with the instruction later repeated by a Capitol security officer.
He said he chose to leave the floor rather than comply, calling the outfit a personal expression of patriotism, according to The Blaze.
The incident quickly spilled beyond the chamber, with Davanzo posting on social media that he had been “kicked off the floor for wearing a Patriotic jacket.”
He criticized lawmakers for focusing on what he called minor issues instead of addressing broader concerns such as affordability and the state budget.
Some Democratic lawmakers offered more muted reactions after the incident, with Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) describing the jacket as “very colorful” and “very patriotic.”
Davanzo also said several colleagues approached him afterward with supportive comments, claiming he received praise from members on both sides of the aisle, according to Newsmax.
McClinton’s office defended the decision, saying House Democrats were focused on passing a state budget and conducting legislative business.
The office reiterated that the House floor is a formal setting where themed attire is not appropriate during official proceedings.
The dispute comes as Pennsylvania lawmakers continue to grapple with budget negotiations and broader partisan tensions, with Democrats holding a narrow majority in the House and Republicans controlling the state Senate.
Davanzo criticized the decision as misplaced priorities, arguing lawmakers should focus on fiscal issues facing residents.
Davanzo has also been active in efforts tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, including legislation and public advocacy promoting statewide celebrations.
He said his attire was intended to reflect that milestone and his support for patriotic observances.
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