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Contempt Citations Issued, Lantos Memorial Service Interrupted

Posted by DAVID SCHRAUB, Assistant Editor in At TMV.
Feb 14th, 2008 | Comments

Over furious Republican objections, the House of Representatives passed contempt citations against Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten for their refusal to testify in front of House committees. Republicans threw every procedural tactic in the book to stop the vote, including finally walking out in protest.

But tempers really flared when a GOP representative called for a dilatory procedural vote in the middle of a memorial service for Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA). Apparently, House Democrats had called the chamber back into session but had promised no votes would be cast until the service was over. By calling for the vote, members of both parties had to abandon the service while dignitaries were still speaking. Republicans say that Democrats knew that they would continue obstructing the bill whenever the House was in session, and thus brought this on themselves. Democrats rejoined that with no votes scheduled, the GOP should have shown a little respect and simply waited 20 minutes before resuming their obstruction.

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PaulSilver

This does not reflect well on the GOP. It seems to lack dignity and it perpetuates the impression that they are carrying water for an administration that has contempt for the role of Congress.

Mike_P

What's amazing to me is who called for the vote during the servic - GOP Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, who represents the area around Miami-Hialeah in south Florida. He's gonna have some 'splainin' to do!

Slamfu

The same childish behavior that brought us freedom fries and freedom toast. Really, to interupt the memorial service for a dead collegue, pure douchebaggery.

DLS

The GOP could have waited. If there's a video (with sound of the bells), it even merits being used in a Dem campaign commercial. (Or to be more tasteful, if showing anything about the funeral is discouraged, have the event "re-enacted.")

StockBoySF

Really... it's one more black mark against Republicans on my book. I'm not saying that Dems are stellar... the Dems have some black marks in my book, too. But when the Republicans play politics with a memorial service for one of their own colleagues, well, that really is too much. We're not even talking about the Republican extremists, but elected leaders who represent their constituents' interests. Supposedly.

What's remarkable is that the Republicans went after the Clintons on every little thing and even impeached Bill for a consensual act- on the grounds that he wasn't fit to lead this country. I'm not trying to excuse Bill's actions- but he's an angel compared to Bush. Now that the Republicans' own leader took us into a war with false accusations, endorses torture, divides the US for his party's own benefit... there are lots of reasons why the Dems can proceed with impeachment proceedings... and some want to.... but as much as I wish Bush were gone I'm so glad that Pelosi is the adult in the room and recognizes that the country and it's needs come first. Not some childish game to be played just so they can "win" or make a scene.

I'll tell ya'.... this sure won't win the Republicans any votes.

JillyDybka

Distasteful.

DLS

Bottom line, they could have waited 20 minutes.

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