A House subcommittee meeting was abruptly recessed Tuesday following a fiery exchange between Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Andy Harris (R-MD) concerning taxpayer funding for certain LGBTQ+ organizations. The debate centered on the activities of these organizations, with Harris expressing concerns about one group allegedly promoting communism and another purportedly facilitating support groups for 7-year-olds while also advocating for hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery. Harris stated his strong opposition to taxpayer dollars supporting such initiatives.

Pocan responded by accusing Harris and those who share his views on these organizations of bigotry, using strong language during the exchange. The argument escalated quickly, with Pocan repeatedly referring to Harris as a "snowflake" and a "bigot." Harris, in turn, claimed Pocan's language violated House rules and requested his remarks be stricken from the record.

Pocan sarcastically offered to retract his statements to appease Harris and the committee, even suggesting the acronym "LGBT" be removed from the record. The back-and-forth continued with Harris reiterating his request to have Pocan's words removed, citing House rules. Pocan eventually offered to retract anything Harris found offensive, interpreting Harris's objections as a personal offense. The meeting was subsequently recessed.