Lauren Boebert Sparks Controversy with Claim That Democrats ‘Hate Christmas’ Over Christmas Tree Amendment
Photograph: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call Getty Images
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) ignited a heated debate on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday after accusing Democrats of hating Christmas. The argument stemmed from Boebert’s introduction of an amendment that would allow the commercial harvesting of Christmas trees from public lands.
The proposed amendment sparked opposition from Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), who raised concerns that the measure would prioritize profits over important environmental restoration projects.
“By placing a preference on projects that are related to Christmas tree harvest, this amendment would limit the landscape restoration program by prioritizing a marketable product over landscape restoration,” Porter explained. She further emphasized that the U.S. Forest Service already has the authority to permit the sale of Christmas trees and firewood, making the amendment unnecessary, as per reports Raw Story.
“Democrats Hate Christmas,” Boebert Claims
In response to Porter’s objections, Boebert accused Democrats of harboring a disdain for the holiday. “It’s so sad to hear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle hate Christmas,” Boebert declared. She urged the House to adopt her amendment, framing it as a measure in line with the Christmas spirit and an efficient way to heat homes. This remark quickly escalated the argument, with Porter taking Boebert’s statement as a personal attack.
“I, as a Christian, am offended that my colleague on the other side of the aisle would suggest that I hate Christmas,” Porter said in her defense. She stressed that the bill was not about opposing Christmas or preventing people from celebrating with Christmas trees. Instead, Porter argued, the amendment would undermine ongoing efforts to restore landscapes, an essential task for the health of public lands.
“This bill is about this amendment, and this debate is about the fact that this amendment does not do what the gentlelady from Colorado claims that it does,” Porter continued. She reaffirmed her support for the Forest Service’s existing authority to allow tree harvesting but insisted that Boebert’s amendment was misleading and unnecessary.
Amendment Passed Despite Opposition
Despite the fiery exchange, the Republican-controlled House passed the amendment with a voice vote, allowing the measure to move forward. Boebert’s supporters framed the amendment as a win for both the Christmas spirit and practical home heating solutions, while opponents like Porter argued that it would do more harm than good by shifting focus away from vital environmental work.
The clash between Boebert and Porter highlights the often contentious atmosphere in the House, where even seemingly light-hearted topics like Christmas trees can lead to sharp partisan divisions. Boebert’s comments, particularly the suggestion that Democrats “hate Christmas,” sparked outrage from Democrats, who saw it as an unnecessary and inflammatory accusation.
As the debate came to a close, it was clear that the disagreement went beyond the specifics of tree harvesting. For many, the argument touched on broader issues of political posturing and personal attacks, as both sides stood firm in their positions.
