Wow. Just like we were always told it could be....

[lagilman]

I am lifting this in its entirety from dailykos, in case any of you aren't glancing over there on a semi-regular basis:
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As House members debated the latest "emergency supplemental" spending bill for Iraq, David Obey delivered a nice smackdown to John Culberson (R-TX) after he tried to trot out the usual Republican canard about Democrats, supporting the troops and pork:

John Culberson (R-TX): ...it contains provisions that have nothing to do with our troop's survival and safety in the field. To burden our troops with pork, with tax increases, with special provisions that have nothing to do with the war, adds to, I think, the obvious misuse of the process and I urge members to vote against the pork and support our troops.

Obey: I yield myself 30 seconds...I'd like the gentleman from Texas to point out a single piece of member pork in this bill.

Culberson: Does the gentleman yield?

Obey: Yes.

Culberson: Mr., Mr. Chairman, there's a number of un-un-unnecessary provisions in this...

Obey: Name one.

Culberson: Well, why are we separating out, sir, why aren't we just passing...

Obey: (nearly yelling) Name one.

Culberson: Why are we...

Obey: (yelling, finger pointing) Can you name one or can't you? The fact is there is not a single piece of member pork in this bill. You ought to...

(pounding gavel, "time expired")

Culberson: (inaudible)...why are we passing provisions in this bill with tax increases?

(pounding gavel)

"The gentlemen will cease their conversation. The time of 30 seconds has expired. All members are asked to address their remarks through the chair."

Obey: I yield myself one additional minute....and through the chair, I would invite the member to name a specific piece of congressional pork in this bill. He cannot because there is none. He's at least had enough time to read the bill to know that.
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Look! Intelligence in the House! Someone call the press-- er, nevermind, they'll just get it wrong. Go check it out yourself. There's a link to the clip on YouTube.

Comments

[debg.livejournal.com]

I'm grinning. I'd be actively applauding if it weren't so damned hot (84 degrees IN THE HOUSE).

[bigferret.livejournal.com]

You have to love those Wisconsin representatives.

Obey personality

[(Anonymous)]

Obey is hardcore. :) He's just as tough when you want something in and he thinks it shouldn't be in there. *grins* And he has no problems saying EXACTLY what he thinks (complete with VERY colourful language). I can recall him calling Bill Clinton, who was President at the time, a "goddamn liar."

He is one of those interesting politicians who will fire both barrels and not just at the Republicans. He's let go a few at fellow Dems too.

Best,
Day
www.DayInWashington.com

Re: Obey personality

[lagilman]

Oh yeah, there have been times I've wanted to smack Obey -- he and I do NOT always agree on things. But it's so very nice to see someone call bullshit on Republican claims, after so much Dem waffling I felt like I was living in the United States of Pancakes.

[strigine.livejournal.com]

There is a particular beauty in the informed verbal smackdown. For some reason this is reminding me of the Hotchalanche on CM last night. XD

[lt260.livejournal.com]

How nice to find out there is at least one responsible person in the House that has a backbone. If only the oatmeal twins, Reid and Pelosi, could emmulate him. No, on second thought, make that most of the dems.

WTG Obey.