Statement on Resolution to Admonish Rep. Joe Wilson

Congressman Joe Wilson’s comment during President Obama’s speech to the Nation last week was inappropriate and disrespectful.  Congressman Wilson immediately accepted responsibility for his misconduct and rightly apologized to President Obama.  Instead of following the President’s lead and accepting Congressman Wilson’s apology, House Democratic leadership introduced a resolution Tuesday (H.Res. 744) to rebuke Congressman Wilson.  While I strongly disapproved of Congressman Wilson’s conduct, I voted against this resolution because it was yet another chapter in the never-ending cycle of partisanship and incivility that continues to be a significant roadblock to the advancement of sound public policy.  Rather than engaging in such antics, Congress needs to focus on the serious challenges facing our Nation and its citizens, such as common sense health care reform. I will continue to do my utmost to fulfill the trust placed in me by the people of the 19th Congressional District by debating such critical issues in a respectful and statesmanlike manner.