Lawmaker's 'You lie' outburst draws House rebuke

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-09-16 09:33

But the five-term conservative would not.

"I think it is clear to the American people that there are far more important issues facing this nation than what we're addressing right now," Wilson said in a floor speech.

"This is not a partisan stunt," said Clyburn, whose district in South Carolina adjoins Wilson's. "I do not participate in partisan stunts, and I think every member here knows that. This is about the proper decorum that should take place on the floor of the United States House of Representatives."

A leading member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Clyburn perceived it as a snub that Wilson held a town hall meeting on health care this summer at a school in Clyburn's district - where Clyburn's children attended - without telling him.

There have been suggestions that recent harsh criticism of Obama has been at least partly motivated by race. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., current head of the Congressional Black Caucus, said that "today is about the civility and decorum of the House." But she added that we "can't sweep race under the rug - racism is still a factor and must be addressed."

Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., one of seven Republicans speaking in Wilson's behalf, argued that "I think what he have here today is a teachable moment, and it has nothing to do with race."

The dispute did draw a spotlight to the issue of benefits for illegal immigrants. Senators trying to negotiate a bipartisan deal, with the endorsement of the White House, are moving to craft a compromise bill that strengthens verification requirements. That could please some Republicans but also antagonize Hispanic lawmakers sensitive to rules making it harder for people to obtain health care.

"I feel like progress has been really made in regard to citizenship verification," Wilson said after the vote. But he added that "I truly feel like political games were played today."

A House Rules Committee summary of guidelines for members states that while it is permissible to challenge the president on matters of policy during debate, personal attacks are off limits. House rules note that a member could refer to a presidential message as a "disgrace to the nation" but it would be impermissible to call the president a "liar," a "hypocrite" or say he was "giving aid and comfort to the enemy."

In 2007 Republicans unsuccessfully introduced a censure resolution against Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., for saying during debate that US troops were being sent to Iraq "to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement." Stark later apologized to his colleagues.

The Wilson dispute, by capturing the attention of Republican and Democratic loyalists, has been a financial bonanza for both Wilson and his expected challenger in next year's election, Rob Miller. Each has raised some $1.5 million in contributions since the speech last week.

After the vote, some people in Wilson's district called the public disapproval a partisan move and said Democrats frequently called President George W. Bush names without admonishment.

An apology to the House? "He shouldn't have to do that. The president accepted his apology," said Tommy Silvester, 31, of Columbia, adding that Wilson voiced the frustration of many Americans.

Even Wilson supporters said the outburst was inappropriate.

"But one apology was definitely enough," said Sean O'Connell, a 29-year-old salesman from Columbia. "You respect the office. But that's the only person he needs to apologize to."

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