Restoring Respect and Dignity to the U.S. House of Representatives

by Betty Louise McCollum

The interruption by Congressman Joe Wilson. (September 9, 2009).

   RESTORING RESPECT AND DIGNITY TO THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                               Speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of Minnesota

                    in the House of Representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last week, in this chamber, the House
hosted the Members of the U.S. Senate and the President of the United
States.
  The President used that opportunity to address Congress and the
American people about this country's health care crisis.
  During the speech a member of this body shouted a personal insult--
rude and disrespectful words--at the President of the United States
that violated the rules of decorum of this House and disgraced this
institution.
  To insult the President of the United States--an invited guest in
this House--in such a manner brings shame on this body and all its
members.
  Disrespect, incivility, and personal attacks have no place in the
People's House if we are to get the people's business done.
  As a matter of honor, respect, and common decency the representative
of the people of South Carolina's 2nd District should stand in the well
of the House and apologize to his colleagues for his words and his
conduct.
  Since the representative from South Carolina has refused to apologize
I urge all Members, Democrats and Republicans, to vote in favor of H.
Res. 744 and support restoring respect and dignity to the U.S. House of
Representatives.