Rep. Pramila Jayapal reportedly broke down in tears during a meeting at the White House this week.
While discussing the reconciliation bill with President Biden, the Washington Democrat got emotional when discussing the inclusion of a pathway to citizenship, using her background to sell her case.
“She said, ‘I’m the first South Asian woman ever elected to the House … and one of only two dozen immigrants in Congress … as an immigrant woman of color, I just want to share my perspective,” Jayapal spokesperson CHRIS EVANS confirmed. “She has a unique story as an immigrant — but also coming at 16, and to be sitting at the White House delivering what would be a transformational investment in social programs, it will be a moment she will remember forever.”
Another source in the room interpreted the tears as a sign that Jayapal was overwhelmed by the situation and “feeling the pressure.” Evans countered: “It’s hard to get overwhelmed in a non-confrontational meeting. I could see someone getting overwhelmed if they were demanded to do something, but that didn’t happen.” (Politico Playbook)
Republicans joked that it's a strange turn of events after reports that she allegedly mistreats her staff.
Weird. Usually the tears in Jayapal's office come from her staff https://t.co/igRVp7p0oD
— Matt Gorman (@mattsgorman) September 23, 2021
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also made headlines this week for crying on the House floor.
Ocasio-Cortez, who changed her vote from no to present on Iron Dome at the last minute appears visibly upset. Appears to be crying on the House floor, in a hug with Rep. Jayapal
— Marc Rod (@marcrod97) September 23, 2021