Louie Gohmert

In August 2007, Representative Louie Gohmert voiced strong opposition to a proposed expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which aimed to increase coverage for uninsured children. Gohmert argued that expanding SCHIP would lead to increased government spending and inefficiencies, and he suggested that it would be a step towards socialized medicine. Gohmert's opposition was part of a broader conservative argument against expanding government-run health programs. The debate over SCHIP highlighted significant partisan divisions over health care policy in the United States. Gohmert's stance underscored his commitment to fiscal conservatism and limited government intervention in health care, as well as his belief in addressing health care through private sector solutions.

In October 2008, amidst the financial crisis, Representative Louie Gohmert voted against the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, commonly known as the bank bailout. The Act authorized the government to purchase distressed assets, particularly mortgage-backed securities, to stabilize the financial system. Gohmert, along with other fiscal conservatives, opposed the legislation on the grounds that it represented excessive government intervention in the free market and would not adequately address the underlying causes of the crisis. He argued that the bailout was unfair to taxpayers and rewarded irresponsible financial behavior. Gohmert's vote was part of a larger conservative critique of the crisis response, highlighting ideological divisions over the role of government in economic affairs.

In July 2009, Representative Louie Gohmert was noted for his comments supporting the 'birther' movement, which questioned President Barack Obama's citizenship and legitimacy as President of the United States. Gohmert's remarks were part of a larger political narrative challenging Obama's birth certificate and place of birth, despite evidence to the contrary. Gohmert cited concerns about constitutional eligibility for the presidency and called for greater transparency, echoing sentiments from a segment of the conservative base. His support for the movement was controversial and contributed to his reputation as an outspoken figure in Congress. The 'birther' controversy was a divisive issue that underscored racial and partisan tensions in American politics during Obama's presidency.

In December 2010, U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert was a vocal opponent of efforts to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy in the military, which prohibited openly gay individuals from serving. As Congress debated the repeal, Gohmert expressed concerns that allowing openly gay service members would undermine military cohesion and effectiveness. His arguments were part of a larger conservative narrative that sought to maintain the status quo in military policy and reflected broader societal debates about LGBTQ rights and inclusion. Despite Gohmert's objections, Congress eventually voted to repeal the policy, and President Barack Obama signed the repeal into law later that month. Gohmert's opposition to the repeal was indicative of the deeply contentious nature of debates over LGBTQ inclusion in the military at the time.

On April 17, 2013, the U.S. Senate deliberated on expanded background checks for gun purchases as part of a broader effort to address gun violence following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012. During this debate, Representative Louie Gohmert, although not a member of the Senate, made headlines with his vocal opposition to the proposed legislation. Gohmert argued that expanding background checks would infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and would not effectively prevent criminals from obtaining firearms. His comments garnered attention as they resonated with a segment of the American public that was fiercely protective of gun rights. Gohmert's stance was emblematic of the intense national conversation on gun control and highlighted the deep divisions within Congress over how to address gun violence.

In May 2014, Representative Louie Gohmert participated in the House Judiciary Committee's hearings regarding the potential impeachment of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. The hearings were part of a larger controversy involving allegations that the IRS had improperly scrutinized conservative political groups. Gohmert, a member of the Judiciary Committee, was an outspoken advocate for holding Koskinen accountable and supported efforts to impeach him. Gohmert argued that Koskinen had lied to Congress and failed to preserve key evidence, warranting his removal from office. This position aligned with broader Republican efforts to address perceived IRS overreach and was indicative of the partisan tensions in Congress at the time. Gohmert's involvement in the hearings was characterized by his commitment to conservative principles and scrutiny of government agencies.

In January 2015, U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert mounted a challenge against John Boehner for the position of Speaker of the House. Gohmert, known for his conservative views and vocal criticism of the Republican leadership, announced his candidacy shortly before the House was scheduled to vote. His decision to run was part of a broader movement by conservative Republicans who were dissatisfied with Boehner's leadership and perceived lack of commitment to conservative principles. Although Gohmert did not succeed in unseating Boehner, his challenge was significant as it demonstrated the growing influence of the conservative wing within the Republican Party. Gohmert received a few votes but not enough to seriously threaten Boehner's re-election as Speaker. This event highlighted ongoing tensions within the party and set the stage for future leadership challenges.

On July 24, 2019, former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress regarding his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. During the hearing, Representative Louie Gohmert, a vocal critic of the investigation, took the opportunity to question Mueller. Gohmert's line of questioning was aggressive, and he accused Mueller of biased motives and improper conduct during the investigation. Gohmert's interrogation was part of a broader Republican effort to undermine the credibility and findings of Mueller's report. The hearing, which was broadcast live, drew significant media attention. Gohmert's performance was noted for its fervor and was reflective of his longstanding opposition to the Russia investigation, which he viewed as an attempt to undermine President Donald Trump.

On July 29, 2020, Representative Louie Gohmert announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. The announcement came after he attended a meeting without wearing a mask, despite recommendations from health officials to do so. Gohmert had been a vocal skeptic of mask mandates and had often been seen at the Capitol and in public without a mask. His diagnosis prompted concerns about potential exposure to other lawmakers and staff, leading to increased health and safety protocols in Congressional offices. Gohmert's positive test was part of the broader national discourse about personal responsibility and public health measures during the pandemic, illustrating the political and cultural debates surrounding mask-wearing and COVID-19 prevention strategies.

On November 29, 2021, Louie Gohmert, who has been serving as a U.S. Representative from Texas since 2005, announced his candidacy for the position of Texas Attorney General. Gohmert's decision to run challenged the incumbent, Ken Paxton, amid Paxton's legal troubles and allegations of corruption. Gohmert's entry into the race added further competition to the Republican primary, as he was known for his strong conservative stance and outspoken nature in Congress. Throughout his campaign, Gohmert emphasized his commitment to maintaining Texas's conservative values and restoring trust in the office of the Attorney General. He aimed to address issues such as voter fraud, border security, and government corruption. The election drew significant attention due to the controversies surrounding Paxton, and Gohmert's bid highlighted internal divisions within the Texas Republican Party.