Marjorie Taylor Greene Invokes Old-School Rule On House Floor Challenging Off-Record Democrats To 'Vote By Combat'

On the house floor yesterday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), invoked an old congressional voting procedure known as 'Vote by Combat'.

On the house floor yesterday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), invoked an old congressional voting procedure known as 'Vote by Combat'.  This little-known floor procedure, created in the 1840s to replace the barbaric practice of dueling, allowed representatives to settle differences without resulting in bloodshed, maiming, or death.

Abraham Lincoln helped usher in the practice of 'Vote by Combat' while serving in congress. Seen here body-slamming a Democrat who showed up late to vote.

At its peak, representatives would use this technique to combat tomfoolery, lazy attendance, and those who requested 'off-record' voting. Which, at the time, many believed to be a cowardly approach when representing one's constituents.

Honest Abe's signature move was his "Bear Hug of Democracy" where he would pick up his opponent and try to squeeze the life out of them.

Not surprisingly, public opinion, not legislation, caused this tactic to disappear from the mainstream. According to sources close to the congresswoman, it wasn't until earlier this year, while Taylor Greene was doing research in the Library of Congress, that she found a reference to 'Voting by combat' in an 1855 book on congressional floor procedures.

So how does 'Vote by Combat' work?

The procedure clearly states that before the gavel falls when passing a bill, any member of congress can yell 'I declare vote by combat!'. At this point, the congresswoman or man can grab the nearest offending representative and begin grappling. Once combat starts, all 435 members of congress MUST form a circle and chant, "Gooble gobble. Gooble gobble. You must vote! You must vote! One of us. One of us."

Fun fact, the chant was later changed and made famous in the critically acclaimed cult classic movie Freaks (1932) and again later in the Scorsese film The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). See clips below.

How did it play out?

During yesterday's declaration, Taylor Greene proved that her confidence was well placed as she landed a great combination that stunned her opponent. She then grabbed the Democrat, pulling him to the ground. As Taylor Greene went for the submission attempt her opponent had to go on the defense effectively losing his position, potentially weakened by excessive soy consumption. He then attempted to wrestle for position but Taylor Greene got the best of him and worked him hard on the floor which resulted in grabbing him in what appeared to be a very deep armbar. The fight came to a close with Marjorie Taylor Greene in a very dominant fashion causing her opponent to tap. At this point, the chanting circle of representatives dispersed and voting commenced.

I was so scared. I didn't understand what was going on. I thought we were under attack so I went and hid in the corner. I think I may have pee'd a little. - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

I fear no congressman or woman. If you show up late, try to proxy vote, or attempt to not vote on the record, I'll be waiting. - Marjorie Taylor Greene

Finally, someone willing to stand up for the people of this country and expose the rampant dysfunction in congress. - Georgia Constituent

Later the Congresswoman could be seen training at the congressional gym readying herself for her next challenger.

* It's Satire Stupid! 🤡

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