It seems that the older some congressmen get, especially from colder climes, the more ornery and arrogant they become. Case in point – Rep. Don Young (Teabag-AK), who’s been in Congress since 1973.
During a hearing on Friday, Young went head-to-head with a witness before the House Natural Resources Committee, which Young used to chair. He was one of the sponsors of the Bridge to Nowhere.
How exactly did Rep. Don Young and Douglas Brinkley get off on the wrong foot in the House Natural Resources Committee hearing Friday?
Was it when the Alaska Republican called the historian’s testimony “garbage?” Or was it when Brinkley talked back? From that point, it was on — a verbal smackdown that startled the most jaded staffers. [See the amazing C-SPAN video, below]
Backdrop: Brinkley, a Rice University professor, wants President Obama to grant the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge national monument status, which would block efforts to drill for oil and gas there. Young supports drilling.
You have to watch the video that’s linked in the WaPo article. I’d love to see more witnesses go up to The Hill and give these Rethugs a piece of their mind. My guess is Dr. Brinkley will not be called back to testify any time soon.