US Congressman Triggers Fire Alarm Amid Budget Vote Delay, Investigation Launched

A Congressman in the US House of Representatives is under investigation after triggering a fire alarm during a crucial budget vote, causing an hour-long evacuation. Jamaal Bowman, a Democrat from New York, claims it was an accident, but his opponents accuse him of attempting to disrupt the vote. The alarm went off as Democrats were trying to delay the vote to have more time to read and decide on the bill. Bowman stated that he mistakenly activated the alarm while trying to open a locked door, emphasizing that he was not trying to stall the vote. However, Republicans have accused him of purposefully sabotaging the vote. Brian Steil, a Republican representative from Wisconsin, has announced that an investigation is underway. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy criticized the Democrats’ actions, calling it a “new low.” The budget bill was eventually passed, keeping the government funded until 17 November and avoiding a shutdown. If the vote had failed, it would have caused delays in salaries for federal employees and military personnel.