Lawmaker Calls Representative Pramila Jayapal "Young Lady"

People are outraged after a lawmaker from Alaska called another representative a "young lady" who "doesn't know a damn thing" on the House floor.

“You know I rarely do this, but I’m deeply disappointed in my good lady from Washington, doesn’t know a damn thing what she’s talking about,” Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) said on Thursday, August 8, referencing Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington). Parts of his commentary can be seen in video clip taken from the House floor, wherein he also called Jayapal a "young lady," though she is 51 years old.

The remarks came amid a conversation regarding wildlife management in Alaska, according to The Seattle Times. After Young called Jayapal a "young lady," she objected, asking for his comments to be stuck from the record. Young has since apologized, but Jayapal pointed out his remarks are commonplace for women, especially women of color.

“Unfortunately, women, including women of color, face this kind of exchange far too often,” she said in a statement, according to the Seattle Times. “So often, we are discredited for being brown or black, looking too young or too old, or having strong opinions. I appreciate that Congressman Young apologized and I want to remind women of color out there to stand your ground and don’t ever be afraid to speak up,”

On Twitter, Jayapal pointed out that calling her a "young lady" may have been an attempt to belittle her.

Jayapal isn't the only person to take to Twitter after the exchange. Many used social media to decry sexism, specifically in places of power.

Related: Sexism in Politics: 10 Women Share Their Stories