Text of the Resolution

Washington, DC – In the wake of the breach of conduct by U.S. Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) during President Obama’s address to a Joint Session of Congress, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) today joined her colleagues in passing H. Res. 744, a resolution disapproving of the representative’s conduct.  She entered the following statement into the Congressional Record:

Madam 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.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4) serves on the House Appropriations & Budget Committees.

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