In what has become his signature inflammatory style, Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) launched into a tirade against President Obama on Wednesday, accusing the president of aiming "tax weapons of mass destruction" at the American people.
"Although he has never served our country in uniform, or risked his life to defend its freedoms and liberties on distant shores, it seems President Obama understands a thing or two about weaponry," West said during a speech on the House floor. "[His] current weapon of choice is tax policy, and the enemies are small businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and corporations, who seemingly are deemed undesirable."
West continued: "President Obama seems determined to punish and wipe out economic success in this country, leveling tax weapons of mass destruction on all taxpayers."
West's rhetoric called to mind a similar statement by fellow Tea Party favorite Michele Bachmann, the Minnesota congresswoman who ran a failed bid for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination. Last year, Bachmann described the current tax code as a "weapon of mass destruction" and called for a "radically different system."
Since assuming office last January, West has made a name for himself by launching pointed, often outlandish, criticisms at his colleagues across the aisle. While his aggressive tone has won him many conservative admirers, it has also come with consequences. Recently, a claim that about 80 House Democrats are "members of the Communist Party" led to West being disinvited from a NAACP event.
Here's a look back at other controversial comments West has made:
