UMVA has learned that a heated confrontation erupted during a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, where Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) clashed with Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) over a proposed bill aimed at revoking the citizenship of individuals convicted of serious crimes.
The explosive exchange occurred during a hearing titled "Protecting American Citizenship III: Denaturalization and its Constitutional Limits," where Schmitt's Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act was under scrutiny. The bill seeks to expand the federal government's authority to revoke citizenship from individuals who have committed serious felonies, including murder, rape, and terrorism.
Hirono launched a scathing attack on the bill, claiming it would "impose even more requirements on naturalized citizens than we do on citizens." She alleged that the bill would unfairly target naturalized citizens, stating, "I happen to be the only naturalized citizen sitting on this committee, and I am horrified by the implication that naturalized citizens basically get second-class citizenship."
Schmitt fired back at Hirono, slamming her for defending violent criminals, including rapists, murderers, and terrorists. He said, "Speaking of astounding, your comments are astounding, Senator. You mention a few words: horrific. I think, to the American taxpayer, that's been ripped off by people who came to this country to rip them off, that's horrific."
The tension between the two senators escalated, with Schmitt accusing Hirono of defending individuals who have taken advantage of the country's good people and taxpayer dollars. He stated, "Bizarre is the idea that you would be here in this committee defending violent murderers from being deported. That you would be defending violent rapists from being deported."
Schmitt concluded his rebuke, telling Hirono, "If you commit a terrorist act, if you commit wholesale welfare fraud within 10 years, you're damn right we're deporting you! If you're convicted – it's not being accused of anything – if you are convicted in a court of law of these crimes, absolutely, we should not only convict you, but we should deport you. Gone!"
The heated exchange has sparked controversy, with many questioning Hirono's defense of violent criminals and Schmitt's push for stricter citizenship requirements. The debate over the SCAM Act is expected to continue, with both sides digging in on their respective positions.
