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.

[Mo1]

Back to 13 GOP

[PhiKapMom]

I had to go back to mute! They are IDIOTS! Another GOP -- back to 13!

[PhiKapMom]

And we picked up a Dem -- now 4!

[scott7278]

Ba'al is busy right now.

[PhiKapMom]

This is really close!

[Republican Wildcat]

19 GOP NAY

[Republican Wildcat]

20

[Mo1]

Nope .. we have 9 now

[TLBSHOW]

The Republican-controlled Senate passed far-reaching legislation early Friday to remake Medicare, offering prescription drug coverage to seniors while giving private insurance companies a broad new role in the program.

Tahoo

[Mo1]

It says times out

210 - 215

[PhiKapMom]

There is 1 voting president! What happens if it ends in a tie in the House? I know what happens in the Senate but not in the House.

[PhiKapMom]

They almost always go passed the time out which makes no sense to me!

[Republican Wildcat]

Tie means failure.

[ArneFufkin]

Is it me, or does that "Independent" vote with the Democrats a lot? ;^)

[PhiKapMom]

I was afraid of that! Looks like it is going down to defeat and they will get the Senate version.

Do you know which one is better? Haven't followed it all that much!

[PhiKapMom]

Like 100%! I don't remember Bernie Sanders ever voting with the Republicans on anything of importance!

[Republican Wildcat]

I didn't realize this bill also privatized regular Medicare services as well (c-span just scrolled below).

I'm glad they've stopped those phone calls.

[ArneFufkin]

Voting "present" sounds like a Ron Paul caper.

[Republican Wildcat]

The Senate bill is a lot like the Dem substitute (Rangel) that was defeated. We don't want that one.

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

[PhiKapMom]

I hated the phone calls! I am not sure what this bill has in it now that you mention it and C-SPAN hasn't done a good job of saying! I thought the privatization was optional and seniors could elect to keep their current coverage.