House Democrats Storm Out of Ways and Means Committee ("you little fruitcake")

Washington Post ^ | Friday, July 18, 2003

[nickcarraway]

By any standards, today represented a low point in the history of congressional comity. Democrats accused the GOP of running a police state; Republicans recounted how one Democratic member of the panel called a Republican colleague "you little fruitcake" in the midst of the standoff.

The blowup occurred as the panel began to mark up a wide-ranging pension bill sponsored by Reps. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.). The changes narrowed the original bill, but retained most of its key provisions.

[adam_az]

Democratic member of the panel called a Republican colleague "you little fruitcake" in the midst of the standoff

How could he mistake a Republican for a member of his electoral base?

[caisson71]

It's about time the Republicans use the "heavy hand" given to them by the voters in this country.

[Support Free Republic]

How about the new highway named for Clinton in his home stste of Arkansas? It's a little crooked, and has a long yellow streak down the center. Be careful if you drive on it, it's a little slick.

Manufacturers announced today that they will be stocking America's shelves this week with "Clinton Soup, to honor one of the nation's most distingushed men". It consists primariy of a weenie in hot water.

Free Republic

Your donations keep us laughing at liberals

[sam_paine]

Note what the bill was about:

....individuals would be able to contribute an annual maximum to $15,000 to a 401(k) plan and $5,000 to an IRA, beginning next year. People aged 50 and over could contribute even more.

God forbid the Democrats allow a bill to move forward that would allow people to save more for their retirement before taxes. Instead, they want Social Security to go bankrupt, and me to have no other means to provide for myself.

[Steven W.]

you are right (pathetic dems!)

[sinkspur]

A guy with the name "Fortney" calls somebody ELSE a fruitcake?

[ErnBatavia]

It's about time the Republicans use the "heavy hand" given to them by the voters in this country.

Unfortunately, they've taken the Rodney King approach to these things...."C-c-c-c-an't we all get along?"

[sam_paine]

You know, Nick. When you start a thread like this, your post becomes a Carraway Seed.......

[adam_az]

Nice play by Bill Thomas(R)

The reading began, with Thomas interrupting at one point to say loudly, "In the House, the minority can delay. They cannot deny." When the Democrats left for the library, Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark (D-Calif.) stayed behind to prevent the Republicans from obtaining unanimous consent to dispense with the reading.

After several minutes, Thomas again asked unanimous consent to dispense with the reading, and instantly brought down his gavel. Stark said later that he had objected, and Thomas had replied, "You're too late."

[breakem]

If we save our own money we woun't need them. Hmmmmmmmmm! Not a democrat platform plank.

[Vesuvian]

You know, if this bunch gets back in charge God help this country. They have gone beyond mere politicing into dangerous territory, IMHO.

[adam_az]

Rather than concluding the fracas, however, this simply emboldened House Democrats. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) used a point of personal privilege to introduce a resolution on the House floor protesting the incident. This set in motion a heated debate this afternoon, in which each side accused the other of debasing Congress as an institution.

Where could we find a transcript of this??????!!!!!!!

[Bahbah]

This is really a fascinating report. If the Dims don't have the power to get their way they resort not to persuasion and compromise but to trying to block every move with parlimentary tricks and just plain ugly behavior. I think if they had the power to do so, they would simply declare martial law and make us all do what they wanted. These people are dangerous. Vote Republican, early and often (not often in the same election, however.)

[Paleo Conservative]

"It's about time the Republicans use the "heavy hand" given to them by the voters in this country."

Unfortunately, they've taken the Rodney King approach to these things...."C-c-c-c-an't we all get along?"

I thought it was the Rodney Dangerfield approch, "I don't get no respect."

[mdittmar]

I want less comity and more principalness....ahh,what the hell's the word I'm looking for?

You know what I mean.

[dixiechick2000]

"The reading began, with Thomas interrupting at one point to say loudly, "In the House, the minority can delay. They cannot deny." When the Democrats left for the library, Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark (D-Calif.) stayed behind to prevent the Republicans from obtaining unanimous consent to dispense with the reading.

After several minutes, Thomas again asked unanimous consent to dispense with the reading, and instantly brought down his gavel. Stark said later that he had objected, and Thomas had replied, "You're too late."

Thomas then recognized Portman for an opening statement on the bill. Stark attempted to make a "parliamentary inquiry," and Thomas ignored him. Stark then joined the other Democrats in the nearby room."

heheh!

It's nice to see Thomas being heavy-handed, and Stark is a "little fruitcake."

[CholeraJoe]

Who did he call a fruitcake? Jim Kolbe perchance? Kolbe's the only openly gay Republican serving in the House. If it was, this one could be big trouble for the Dems.

[swheats]

The democrats must be steaming from yesterday's speech and press conference.

[Saundra Duffy]

Pete Stark has been in trouble before for opening his big mouth and insulting people. One time he said of a Black official: "You're a disgrace to your race!" He had to apologize. We'll see if he has to apologize this time. I don't think it's wise to piss off Bill Thomas.