Larson Statement on Vote of Disapproval

Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted in favor of a resolution of disapproval of Congressman Joe Wilson’s behavior during President Barack Obama’s speech before a joint session of Congress.

“Congressman Joe Wilson simply and clearly broke the rules of the House of Representatives when he interrupted the President of the United States, a guest in our chamber, during a speech to a joint session of Congress.  As my colleague, the honorable Whip of our Caucus, James Clyburn said on the floor of the House today, the House of Representatives is the largest classroom in our nation.  It is from this floor that we teach our children and our citizens about decorum, civil conduct and the consequences of their action.  What message would we be sending our children if we did not rebuke Congressman Joe Wilson for his deplorable behavior in our chamber?  What would we be teaching our citizens about respecting the office of the President of the United States?  

“Mr. Wilson had every opportunity to come to the floor and apologize to this body for disrespecting its rules and codes of conduct, as many members both Republican and Democratic have done before him.  He failed to do so.  This Congress had no choice but to vote to disapprove of his actions and lay a clear marker that this sort of behavior is not acceptable in our chamber.”