Statement on Vote to Disapprove Outburst to the President
September 16, 2009
“Congressman Wilson’s outburst was singularly inappropriate and extremely disrespectful, and would have been so to any President of the United States who has been invited to address a joint session of Congress. It was equally disrespectful to the House of Representatives,” Congressman Cohen said.
“We teach children to respect authority figures and institutions and hold them accountable when they fail to do so. Congressman Wilson’s behavior sends a terrible message to those same children who now may think it appropriate to act up in class or school assemblies,” Congressman Cohen said. “We had a responsibility to address such conduct, because not doing so would have been a breach of our legislative duty and lessened the respect the American people have for the Congress and the Presidency.”
The U.S House of Representatives’ general code of conduct requires that “a lawmaker shall conduct himself at all times in a manner which shall reflect creditably on the House of Representatives.” These are the standards members are held to when they take the oath of office.
Despite the request of leadership of both parties, Rep. Wilson had refused to apologize on the House Floor, as is considered customary and appropriate, when a Member breaches House rules. Therefore, the House was compelled to respond.
“We teach children to respect authority figures and institutions and hold them accountable when they fail to do so. Congressman Wilson’s behavior sends a terrible message to those same children who now may think it appropriate to act up in class or school assemblies,” Congressman Cohen said. “We had a responsibility to address such conduct, because not doing so would have been a breach of our legislative duty and lessened the respect the American people have for the Congress and the Presidency.”
The U.S House of Representatives’ general code of conduct requires that “a lawmaker shall conduct himself at all times in a manner which shall reflect creditably on the House of Representatives.” These are the standards members are held to when they take the oath of office.
Despite the request of leadership of both parties, Rep. Wilson had refused to apologize on the House Floor, as is considered customary and appropriate, when a Member breaches House rules. Therefore, the House was compelled to respond.
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________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov