Government shutdown, debt ceiling vote interrupted by House stenographer

WASHINGTON A woman described by lawmakers and aides as a long-time House stenographer was removed from the chamber Wednesday night after she began shouting during a vote to end the government shutdown and extend the federal debt limit.

The woman was yelling from the rostrum Wednesday just below where the House presiding officer sits. The microphone she was yelling into was off.

Lawmakers said she was yelling about the House being divided and the devil. Texas Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro said she had a crazed look on her face.

As she was led into an elevator by security, she was heard to shout, "This is not one nation under God. It never was."

She also screamed, "Praise be to God, Lord Jesus Christ."

The Reuters news agency reports that she also said "you cannot serve two masters" and "he will not be mocked."

The U.S. Capitol Police said she was "transported to a local area hospital for evaluation."