The 112th Congress Freshman Class was sworn in on Jan. 5, 2011. (US House of Representatives)
Ala. Republican Forced to Withdraw 'Socialist' Comment on House Floor
Updated: Friday, 15 Apr 2011, 11:58 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 15 Apr 2011, 11:58 AM EDT
(NewsCore) - Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) was forced to withdraw some of his comments on the House floor Friday after criticizing budget decisions made by "certain socialist members of this body," The Birmingham News reported.
Brooks made the remark, without naming names, while speaking against the alternative 2012 "People's Budget" proposed by the liberal Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Brooks said the US was "at risk of insolvency and bankruptcy because the socialist members of this body choose to spend money that we do not have," according to The Hill.
Democrats called for a point of order and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn) asked for Brooks' comment to be "taken down," a rarely used measure in which the House chair decides if the words used were appropriate.
At the chair's prompting, Brooks asked for unanimous consent that his use of "socialist" be stricken from the record, the News reported.
"For whatever reason I am permitted not to use one word," Brooks said as he wrapped up his remarks.
Source: AL.com