House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) was caught on a hot mic telling Rep. Darrel Issa (R-Calif.) to “go f-ck yourself” during a Tuesday meeting on Capitol Hill.
According to Fox News, McCaul’s comment came during a hearing that featured testimony from Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, regarding President Joe Biden’s administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Fox News reported that Issa had exceeded his allotted time during the hearing by continuing to ask Milley questions. McCaul repeatedly told the California Republican that his time had expired and that it was time for Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meek (R-Iowa) to speak; however, the congressman continued to question Milley.
“The Gentleman’s time is expired,” McCaul said. “Ms. Miller-Meeks is recognized.”
After Issa said he did not realize he had exceeded his allotted time, McCaul explained that the committee was trying to limit each member’s remarks to five minutes.
Issa then interjected, “I thought I was done! I thought it was the closing act, Chairman,” which prompted McCaul to tell the California representative, “Eh, go f-ck yourself.”
According to The Daily Caller, McCaul later apologized for his hot mic comment to Issa, saying, “It was a long day, and I lost my temper.” He added, “That is uncharacteristic of me and I apologize to Mr. Issa, who I consider a friend.”
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A McCaul spokesperson told Fox News that the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman had limited each committee member’s remarks to five minutes in an effort to preserve time for a classified briefing. The spokesperson told Fox News, “Rep. Issa was over his time and did’t stop speaking when the chairman gaveled him down and he got frustrated.”
Despite the tense interaction on Tuesday, Issa appeared to brush off the exchange, tweeting, “Hey @RepMcCaul — I’ve been called worse … and by people I don’t like!”
