Pennsylvania Rep. Eric Davanzo Ordered from State House Floor Over Patriotic Jacket

A Pennsylvania Republican state representative was ordered off the state House floor Thursday after Democratic leadership deemed his American flag-themed suit jacket a prohibited “costume” ahead of Independence Day celebrations and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

State Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-Westmoreland, wore a red-and-white striped jacket with a blue, star-spangled tie during Tuesday’s session. House Speaker Joanna McClinton ruled the attire violated chamber dress rules requiring “appropriate business attire,” instructing him to remove the jacket or leave the floor.

“We don’t allow costumes on the floor of the House for any holiday,” McClinton said. “We are very patriotic. That’s why we have two huge United States of America flags in the back of the House.”

“You can wear a costume jacket in your office, but on the floor of the House, we have a quorum for all members, no matter the holiday,” she added.

Davanzo rejected the characterization, stating, “This isn’t a costume. I wear this back home … I’ll wear it again next week. I love my country.”

House Whip Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, and Capitol security personnel instructed Davanzo to remove the jacket or leave the floor. When questioned about the ruling, Davanzo said, “She says it’s a costume. He goes, ‘Yeah, it’s something you wouldn’t wear every day.'”

Davanzo emphasized his patriotic stance and Pennsylvania’s budget crisis: “We have an affordability crisis; people can’t afford stuff. Instead of coming out here and doing the people’s work, we’re focused on bullshit issues like this jacket.”

McClinton defended the decision by noting that Democrats were working to pass a responsible budget for all Pennsylvanians.

Davanzo concluded, “This wasn’t a costume. This is something I truly believe in. I’m a patriot.”