Mike Rogers apologizes to Matt Gaetz, says he ‘lost his temper’ during House vote

Mike Rogers apologizes to Matt Gaetz, says he ‘lost his temper’ during House vote

Rep. Mike Rogers tweeted an apology to fellow congressman Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida Sunday, citing a Friday argument and altercation during a contentious vote for Speaker of the House.

Gaetz was among a group of Republican representatives who repeatedly stonewalled a Speaker of the House vote last week. After 14 failed votes, Rogers came over to speak to Gaetz, and then was pulled back and visibly restrained by other members.

“I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House floor Friday evening and appreciate Matt’s kind understanding,” Rogers tweeted.

“I was just exasperated that Matt [Gaetz] was treating [Kevin] McCarthy so badly,” Rogers told The New York Post in an interview on Saturday.

Rogers is the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; Gaetz also serves on that committee. Earlier in the week, after the vote dragged on, Rogers vowed to kick renegade congressmen from their committee assignments.

“What was all that about, and are you guys going to be able to work together on Armed Services?” Fox News’ Mike Emanuel asked Gaetz on a newscast.

Gaetz said he expects to have no problems working with Rogers moving forward.

“Of course, in a late night moment of high-drama, people can have moments of frustration,” Gaetz said, “but we have a six-year productive, working relationship. We’re going to work together wonderfully going forward. I don’t think there should be any punishment or reprisal just because he had an animated moment. He has my forgiveness and is certainly someone who has done great things for our national defense and will continue to do great things.”