Unmuted lawmaker uses expletives during hearing

State Sen. Tony Hwang was quick-witted this week when an unmuted fellow lawmaker, state Rep. Travis Simms, D-Norwalk, let loose with some random curse words during a hearing held by the Transportation Committee.

The incident occurred on Monday, about 20 minutes into testimony by Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the state Department of Transportation, who was discussing the state’s Vision Zero initiative, aimed at reducing vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle fatalties. Hwang, from Fairfield, in his eighth term in the General Assembly and a top Republican on the committee, was in the middle of several questions with Eucalitto when Simms suddenly blurted two expletives.

Simms’ oaths have been scrubbed from the video recording of the moment, which was first reported by Hartford Courant columnist Kevin Rennie. The candid moment elicited a chuckle from Eucalitto and a quick ad lib from Hwang. “Welcome to the world of Zoom,” Hwang said.

On Wednesday, Simms, in his third term, said he was sorry for the slip up and that his unmuted, graphic remarks had nothing to do with the legislative business at hand in that moment.

“In response to the unfortunate recording during a recent Zoom hearing, I want to extend my sincerest apology and convey m yut most respect for my Transportation Committee colleagues, chairs, ranking members, and constituents,” Simms said in a statement. “My comment was not directed at anybody, especially Transportation Commissioner Eucalitto, whom I hold in high esteem for his steadfast dedication toi mproving our state’s quality of life and roadway infrastructure.”

Both Hwang and Simms were participating in the hearing virtually, under General Assembly rules that go back to the resumption of the 2020 legislative session that was drastically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under current rules, members of the public may testify before committees either in person or over Zoom. Lawmakers may also participate in committee meetings in person or virtually. On days when the House and Senate meet to debate bills, lawmakers must be in either the State Capitol building or the adjacent Legislative Office Building to vote.