Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL19) of Naples held a town hall with some dramatic moments in Bonita Springs Wednesday night.
Hundreds of people filed through a security checkpoint into the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs to hear Rooney address constituent's concerns.
People asked about President Donald Trump's Russia ties.
"In light of the recent developments, would you now be willing to sign a letter to reveal them and show he has nothing to hide?," one woman asked.
"No," Rooney simply said. His response garnered almost an equal number of jeers and cheers.
Later, someone asked what he thought about the Trump campaign talking to Russians before the election.
"Back channel diplomacy is a common and routine element," Rooney said.
Many constituents brought up healthcare, particularly the congressman's support of the American Healthcare Act, which is the Republicans' alternative to Obamacare.
"People could face premiums of nearly $100,000 a year," one lady said. "How do you justify voting in favor of this?"
"Tell me specifically, specifically, why you support and your party supports such a basic injust [sic] healthcare system. Give me details," another said.
Rooney said the AHCA would not deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. He explained how it would work.
"You take the high risk people. You set them off to the side and have money for them," he said.
About an hour into the town hall, the congressman wanted to end the discussion of healthcare.
"I think we've talked about the health bill enough," Rooney said.
There were a few heated moments in the church. One constituent brought up tax cuts for the rich.
"To pull this budget together in order to put up a massive amount, like a 50 percent deduction in taxes for the very wealthy and the very rich. What in the world is that?," he said. "And my only question is W-T-F?"
Rooney was unsure how to respond.
"I don't know what that means," he said. "I would answer the question if I knew what it was."
There was no clarification on the meaning of WTF.
Another heated moment occurred out of Rooney’s earshot.
Annie Filkowski sat in the second row wearing a pink Planned Parenthood shirt. She said someone sitting in front of her turned around and called her something akin to a person of dubious nature.
“I was told to keep my legs shut. My legs were literally crossed when I was told that, though," she said. "I was told I was going to burn in hell.”
After the town hall, Rooney spoke to constituents.
"Oh I think it went well," he said. "We had an open and free exchange and exercise of the First Amendment—our special right as Americans."
Rooney said he hopes the next town hall will focus on other issues.
"Like how are we gonna get our economy moving again. How’re we gonna get our enemies to fear us. How’re we gonna get our friends to respect us,” he said.
Despite the vitriolic timbre, there still seemed to be an air of cordiality, as people, despite ideological differences, thanked the congressman for coming to listen.
