Republican Representative Ted Yoho has resigned from the board of a Christian organization working to end hunger after his “verbal attack” on Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, in which he allegedly called her “f *** ing b ** * h “.
The bipartisan group, called Bread for the World, said in a statement that its board met Yoho on Friday and called for his resignation “as an action that reaffirms our commitment to unite with women and people of color, nationally and globally, how they continue to lead us to a more racially inclusive and equitable world. ”
“We believe that the recent actions and words of Rep. Ted Yoho as reported in the media do not reflect the ethical standards expected of members of our Board of Directors,” they added.
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Yoho was accused of using abusive language against Ms. Ocasio-Cortez during a confrontation with her last week on the steps of the Capitol.
He maintained that he did not use the words quoted and said in a speech on the floor of the Chamber on Wednesday: “If they were interpreted in this way, I apologize for your misunderstanding.
“It is true that we do not agree with the policies and visions for the United States, but that does not mean that we should be disrespectful. After having been married for 45 years with two daughters, I am very aware of the language I use, “he added.
The next day, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez delivered a powerful speech condemning Yoho’s comments, which she believes reflects a “culture of lack of impunity, of accepting violence and violent language against women, and a whole power structure. against women. “
“Mr. Yoho mentioned that he has a wife and two daughters. I am two years younger than Mr. Yoho’s youngest daughter,” he added. “I am also someone’s daughter.”
Her speech prompted more than a dozen colleagues to join her in condemning the pervasive sexism experienced by women by men in the halls of Congress and American society at large.
President Nancy Pelosi, the highest-ranking elected female official in the history of the United States, told reporters on Thursday: “There is no limit to the lack of respect or lack of recognition of women’s strength.”
“Nothing is healthier for our government, for our politics, for our country, than the greater participation of women. And women will be treated with respect. “
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