McCarthy was reportedly miffed that Swalwell called him "weak" on the House floor after House Republicans voted to censure Rep. Adam Schiff, yet another California lawmaker. At the time,
McCarthy goaded his Democratic colleagues as their jeers and boos delayed his required reading of the resolution that formally admonished Schiff.
"This is pathetic," Swalwell told McCarthy, according to The Daily Beast. "You're weak. You're a weak man."
The speaker was still angry about it the following day when he saw Swalwell trying to leave the House floor. McCarthy then tried to block the Democrat as the pair proceeded to get in each other's faces. At one point, McCarthy issued a stern warning to his colleague.
"Call me a pussy again, and I'll kick your ass," McCarthy allegedly said.
Swalwell was undeterred. "You. Are. A. Pussy," Swalwell reportedly replied, emphasizing each word of his insult.
McCarthy eventually relented and the two continued with respective days.