Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., proposed a House resolution on Tuesday to require that congressmen and teachers, like police officers, should wear cameras while on the job, according to a press release.
Because congressmen often have been confronted with allegations of impropriety, Gosar argued that wearing cameras in the Capitol would provide evidence of their innocence.
For example, several members of Congress accused their Republican colleagues of giving “reconnaissance tours” on Jan. 5 and helping protesters find ways into the Capitol prior to the pro-Trump rally the next day in which several demonstrators breached the building.
According to Gosar’s argument, footage from body cameras would be able to rebut such defamation immediately.
He further cited the effectiveness of cameras for teachers and police officers.
“Today, body-worn cameras already provide valuable evidence defending police officers from otherwise false and frivolous accusations,” he said.
“Occasionally, the police worn body cameras show a law-enforcement error,” he continued. “There is further movement to put cameras in school classrooms. Too often what is really happening in our schools is hidden from parents.”
He further noted that some members of Congress, including Rep. Alexendria Ocasio–Cortez, D-NY, have fabricated stories of their trauma, especially following the Jan. 6 uprising.
The congresswoman infamously lied about the supposed threats that she received, suggesting that she was trapped by several men in her office.
Wearing cameras, in Gosar’s view, would aid authorities in proving or disproving such allegations.
Footage from the cameras would be shared with the public, in the name of transparency.
Other conservatives expressed support for the measure.
“For too long Americans have been left in the dark about what is really going on in Congress,” said Mike Cernovich, a prominent right-wing columnist and pundit.
“If cops can wear body cameras so can our politicians,” he continued. “It’s time for transparency, and this bill by Rep. Gosar is a major first step.”
