House Stenographer Rants About God During House Shutdown Vote

Capitol Police removed the House stenographer from the floor Wednesday after she went into an impassioned rant in an unusual incident as the U.S. House of Representatives was voting to reopen the federal government.

The stenographer, identified by the Washington Times as Dianne Reidy, walked toward the podium at the end of the House vote and started yelling about God, Freemasons, and the inability of the country to serve two masters, according to the Washington Times. 

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"The greatest deception here is this is not one nation under God," Reidy said in recorded comments on the House floor. "It never was. Had it been, it would not have been. No. It would not have been. The Constitution would not have been written by Freemasons. They go against God. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve two masters. Praise be to God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise forever."

Reidy yelled from the rostrum just below where the House presiding officer sits. The microphone she was yelling into was off, according to The Associated Press. 

As Reidy was led to the elevator by security, she shouted, "This is not one nation under God. It never was. Praise be to God, Lord Jesus Christ."

Texas U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro told the AP that Reidy had a crazed look on her face.

Capitol Police said that they were conducting interviews about the incident.

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly told the Washington Post that Reidy is well liked by House members, who were surprised by the outburst and watched with bewilderment as she was escorted out. 

"I think there’s a lot of sympathy, because something clearly happened there," Connolly said.

The House passed the bill 285-144 late last night, after the Senate passed the measure 81-18. The votes reopened the federal government after a 16-day shutdown and averted a debt default.

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