Rep. Eric Davanzo said he refused to remove a patriotic jacket celebrating America’s 250th anniversary after House leadership deemed it a prohibited costume under chamber rules.
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Rep. Eric Davanzo left the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after House Speaker Joanna McClinton ruled that his American flag-themed blazer violated the chamber’s dress code. Davanzo took to Facebook to tell his story in a spirited video post.
The dispute unfolded during budget negotiations, just days before the Fourth of July holiday, after Davanzo arrived wearing what he described as a tribute to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Davanzo says the jacket was a symbol of patriotism
Davanzo said the red, white, and blue jacket was not a political stunt but a personal expression of patriotism. He explained that his wife purchased the blazer in his district and that he had already worn it to multiple America 250 events leading up to Independence Day.
“This is a jacket that my wife had bought me, you know, back home in the district,” Davanzo said. “This is America’s 250. We went to a couple 250 events. We love our country. We love America. So I’m happy to put this on. I’m proud to wear this.”
He said the jacket had been warmly received by constituents.
“Everybody loved it. People came up, gave me hugs, shaking my hands. ‘Hey, this is great,'” he said.
Exchange with House leadership
According to Davanzo, the encounter began shortly after he entered the House chamber and started greeting fellow lawmakers, something he said he routinely does before legislative sessions.
“I walked in on the floor like I always do, shaking everybody’s hands. I make my rounds,” he said.
Davanzo said he was then approached and informed that Speaker McClinton wanted him off the House floor.
“‘Speaker McClinton’s asking you to leave the floor,'” Davanzo recalled. “And I’m like, ‘What for?’ And he said, ‘Well, she doesn’t like your outfit. She says it’s a costume.'”
He said he responded by explaining that he regularly wears the jacket in his district and intended to continue doing so.
“I’m like, ‘Listen, I would wear this back home, and I’m gonna wear it again.'”
A few minutes later, Davanzo said a Capitol security officer approached him with a final instruction.
“One of the security guards came up, tapped me on the shoulder, and he said, ‘Hey, the speaker’s gonna ask you to leave or take your jacket off.'”
Rather than comply, Davanzo chose to leave the chamber.
“This wasn’t a costume”
Davanzo rejected the suggestion that the jacket constituted theatrical attire prohibited under House rules.
“America’s 250. Fourth of July is four days away. It’s a holiday weekend coming up. Why not wear it?” he said.
He argued the clothing reflected legislative priorities he has already championed.
“I introduced Made in America amendments. I’m the chairman of the America First Caucus. I just introduced a bill last week that we give everybody in Pennsylvania, every household, $250 to celebrate America.”
“This wasn’t a costume. This is something that I truly believe in. I’m a patriot.”
Criticism of House priorities
After leaving the floor, Davanzo said he believed House leadership had focused on his attire instead of issues affecting Pennsylvania residents.
“We have an affordability crisis. People can’t afford stuff,” he said. “Instead of coming out here and doing the people’s work? No.”
“What are we focused on? We’re focused on bullshit issues like this jacket, right? No reason whatsoever. Do the job for the people.”
Speaker’s office cites House rules
A spokesperson for Speaker McClinton said Davanzo’s attire violated longstanding House rules prohibiting costumes or theatrical clothing on the House floor.
The speaker’s office said the rule is enforced consistently regardless of political affiliation, noting lawmakers are also prohibited from wearing Halloween costumes during legislative sessions.
The incident occurred as lawmakers continued negotiations over Pennsylvania’s state budget ahead of the start of the new fiscal year.
Key Points
- Rep. Eric Davanzo left the Pennsylvania House floor after refusing to remove an American flag-themed jacket.
- Davanzo said the blazer, purchased by his wife, was worn to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and reflected his longstanding patriotic advocacy.
- Speaker Joanna McClinton’s office said the jacket violated House rules prohibiting costumes or theatrical attire on the chamber floor.
Related: Eric Davanzo, Joanna McClinton, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, America 250, Pennsylvania