McDermott attacks Bush as liar over WMD during prescription debate on the floor

C-SPAN | June 26, 2003 | Jim McDermott

[Republican Wildcat]

The debate is one of the nastiest I've seen on the floor of the House of all time--Nancy Johnson (R-CT) seems to be taking the brunt of the vicious attacks (and I do mean vicious) from the Democrats.

Jim McDermott (D-WA) just said the Republicans can't be trusted on prescription drugs because WMD have not been found in Iraq (he mistakenly said "Iran" first, at which time the Republican members took the opportunity to laugh hysterically at him). Called Bush a liar, at which time the Chair ordered him to sit down. Billy Tauzin (R) followed up by saying "It looks like we just found Baghdad Bob." McDermott broke in out of order and asked if it was appropriate for a member to do this, at which time he was again slapped down by the Chair as being out of order.

Frank Pallone (D-NJ) went completely crazy just after that--it was insane asylum material. Frank Stark (D-CA)now calling Ryan (R-WI) a liar.

[Dan from Michigan]

I understand. About 50 miles SE of me is the home of some guy we all love. His name is John Conyers...

I never had the chance to vote against him. We are give Mike Rogers to the country though. I did vote for him.

[PhiKapMom]

I thought the Senate bill resembled Rangel's -- figures if Kennedy was signed on to it.

Bet there is a lot of arm twisting going on. All they need are the 6 NV to vote YEA and the 1 Present to vote YEA. Cannot believe there are 20 NAY's from the GOP.

[Mo1]

The leadership is apparently trying to get some votes to change, which is why time hasn't been called.

Do you think they can do it?

[Republican Wildcat]

I think that's right. The private coverage was optional--but was still an option. I don't think the Senate bill has that...and the large numbers of Democrats, including Ted Kennedy, that voted for it in the Senate makes me very suspicious of it.

[PhiKapMom]

The bill they are voting on sure seems to reflect the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan from what I can see scrolling across the bottom now.

So 215 Congressman are saying the FEHBP is good enough for them but not Seniors! Guess they don't want Seniors to have a choice!

[Republican Wildcat]

They are probably making some promises for what they will do in conference now, I would say. I don't know...it will depend.

[TLBSHOW]

Cannot believe there are 20 NAY's from the GOP.


...

That is good news

[scott7278]

Here is an answer to the "going past the time out" problem:

http://www.c-span.org/questions/weekly28.asp

[ArneFufkin]

Who's the Majority Whip these days?

[PhiKapMom]

Somehow when Ted Kennedy votes for something, I automatically assume I am against it!

[PhiKapMom]

Thank you! I figured it was a leadership deal! Must be some real arm twisting going on about now!

[Republican Wildcat]

Roy Blunt of Missouri.

[Mo1]

So 215 Congressman are saying the FEHBP is good enough for them but not Seniors! Guess they don't want Seniors to have a choice!

Looks that way

[Mo1]

It's now 213 - 215

[Republican Wildcat]

A couple of the undecided GOP have now voted YEA.


I think this is one time that the President did not plan this out as well as should have.

[PhiKapMom]

Going to be a short night, but I am not getting off until this vote is over!

[ArneFufkin]

This is a Whip problem, because the passage should be ensured with a 229-206 edge. The Whip has to get all the malcontents and their grievences straightened out BEFORE the final passage vote. Delay isn't thrilled with Blount I would fathom.

[PhiKapMom]

I agree with you and the earlier votes were not indicative of how it was going to turn out. I have an AOL Update Mail that said VP Cheney was out getting votes today.

[Republican Wildcat]

Right--these negotiations that are now going on should have already taken place.

[PhiKapMom]

I would agree with you on Blount and would imagine that the person now twisting arms is the old Whip Tom DeLay!