September 30, 2009
Posted: September 30th, 2009 03:42 PM ET

From
Republican congressman Tom Price decided not to introduce a resolution condemning Democrat Alan Grayson.
Republican congressman Tom Price decided not to introduce a resolution condemning Democrat Alan Grayson.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – House Republicans changed course on Wednesday and decided not to move forward with a resolution condemning Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Florida, for saying that the GOP health care plan calls for sick people to "die quickly."

"It's a very simple plan," Grayson said in a floor speech about health care on Tuesday night. "Don't get sick. That's what the Republicans have in mind. And if you get sick America, the Republican health care plan is this: die quickly."

Tom Price, the Georgia congressman who chairs the conservative Republican Study Committee, announced Wednesday morning that he would introduce a resolution condemning Grayson for breaching House decorum.

But a few hours later, Price decided to hold his fire and give Grayson a chance to apologize to House Minority Leader John Boehner for his remarks.

"We thought that we would give Congressman Grayson an opportunity to do the right thing and recognize the comments that he made were disrespectful to the House and to the decorum," Price told CNN.

Price said Grayson, who hails from a conservative district in central Florida, "has maligned half, if not more than half, of his own constituents" who are Republican.

Asked if he will introduce the resolution if Grayson refuses to apologize, Price said "we'll certainly consider it."

He noted that House Democrats set a precedent for punishing bad behavior when they voted in favor of a resolution formally disapproving of Republican Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie!" at President Obama.

"That was the avenue that was defined by the Democrats in charge when someone breaches the decorum," Price said. "So we chose the same vehicle."

Filed under: Alan Grayson • Tom Price


Keeth   September 30th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

More false outrage.

Dominican mama 4 Obama   September 30th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

DO NOT APOLOGIZE Grayson!!! See if you can raise some funds behind the incident.

Gus The Willie   September 30th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

A clear cut and dry analogy, and the Republicans don't recognize their own rhetoric? And we should excuse them?....NOT!

joel palmer   September 30th, 2009 5:25 pm ET

Good for Grayson!!

It's time we called these gop hyenas what they are:

jackals

GOP has no plan and no ideas

travis_bdboy   September 30th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

Stop acting like whinny children and do the job you were sent there to do.....geeez....my daddy is stronger than your daddy

Diesel   September 30th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

Florida is a BLUE State, and 65% of the people here Want the public option. He is speaking for most of us in our state as well as his district.
The only people that are voting against it now are the ones that have taken Millions of Dollars from lobbiest...check how they voted and how much they collected from health insurances companies.
I was almost surprised how many Republican's ( the party of purity) took money from Big Bussiness ...haha not really

Lynda   September 30th, 2009 5:21 pm ET

Republicans every minute you spend putting up road blocks on this Health Care you are killing people.......it is your fault.........so why should he apologize? Put a rag in the mouths of the GOP and lets get on with it......

Sniffit   September 30th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Apparently, GOPers have a reall problem with something the rest of us call "analogies."

Phat Elvis   September 30th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

petty republicans, this grayson comment is nothing like wilson's. but i guess nuance isnt your strong suit.

Dan, TX   September 30th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

I am 100% sure that Grayson will be thrown out and so also all democrats one by one. Watch the fun. Media is also giving misinformation about Republican plan and those who comment here are saying that Republicans are talking about death panels while actually if you go to see, Obamacare has death panels. Read the pages. Do not simply comment here and say that Republicans are bad. Thank God they are at least trying to save this country from a disaster.

republicans = scum of the earth   September 30th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

Republicans are scumbags and child molesters. I wouldn't let one near my child if his life depended on it. I would encourage other parents to do the same. Keep your children away from republiscum.

R. Ramirez   September 30th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

I didn't vote for the Democrats, but I swear I will never vote for a Republican again.

Mike   September 30th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

Well It is bascially the Republicans stance on healthcare.

Just recently there was a republican congressman who told some woman who's friend lost their job, no insurance, and doesnt qualify for any assistance, and suffering from cancerous tumors that need to be removed, that she should seek out healthcare assistance from charities.

Then you have Palin, and many others crying death panels, denial of care to women, republicans, veterans, children with disabilities, etc. If the dems actually do get a public option added in.

LacrosseMom   September 30th, 2009 5:01 pm ET

45,000 AMERICAN DIE EVERY YEAR BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE HEALTHCARE! (excuse the shouting)

IF 45,000 AMERICANS were dying because of terrorist attacks...... you better believe that the GOP would DO something about it! (like nuking the Middle-East)

However, 45, 000 Americans die every year from lack of healthcare and the GOP ......... OBSTRUCT, LIE AND VOTE AGAINST HEALTHCARE FOR AMERICANS!

Liberal4Obama   September 30th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Why? Cause they didn't wanted to look like hypocrites because they spent all summer ginning up lies about Death Panels?... Now thats a very inconvenient truth

Republicanssuckbigtime   September 30th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

It is absolutely true. The GOP has been fighting health care reform because they could care less about anyone but their own greedy selves. Remember, these idiots are the same people who have lifetime pensions after one term (at full pay) and have great medical care (run by the government no less), so they don't ever have to worry.

The GOP also fought such horrible programs as Social Security (as a safety net for old people - guess they don't like old people either), Medicare/Medicaid (those poor people just need to die don't they GOPers?). Remember that, GOP does not care about you AT ALL (unless you have lots of money like the insurance companies who are showering them with gold as we speak).

As far as it being a moral question about taking care of our fellow Americans - well, let's face it - Republicans wouldn't know a Christian value or moral if it whacked them upside the head.

What would Jesus think of these people?

Chris D.   September 30th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

This tit for tat is a farse....I watch CSPAN, and I've seen congress debate and hold court in their chambers(just last week Rep. King of Iowa atated that Obama worked for ACORN).......The congressman from Florida, was stating a blunt reality to what the GOP has offered in this healthcare debate,(also w/ full knowledge that health care reform wasn't a priority, until it was Obama's priority).
This debate, or slander, can't be compared to the insult to the President in the Joint Session oif Congress.

miguel   September 30th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

I never heard a single Republican apologize for the scandalous "death panel" lies..

lynn   September 30th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

Follow the money!

lynn   September 30th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

There is certainly nothing to apologize for as congressman Grayson has told the truth. I wish my congressman Charlie Dent had a backbone instead of voting for the status quo.

Jasmine in Germany   September 30th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

Alan Grayson only spoke the truth.

Don in Albuquerque   September 30th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

Truth hurts, don't it.

Steve (the real one)   September 30th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

First Wilson and now this. Take the high road GOP! You can't defeat the liberals by acting like them. If Grayson told the truth, so did Wilson. Libs again trying to have it both ways! There are broken campaign promises to start! Or does that not count, liberals?

Jilli   September 30th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

Is the gop finally showing some sense?

They have, afterall, said much much worse. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. I wish the gop would grow up so the dems wouldn't be the only adults in the room.

Haas   September 30th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

Why are the Republicans wasting our money and our time? They don't have any solutions to fix this country but when a Dem speaks the truth they want to try to condemn him? They don't deserve to be in office!

Travis from Chicago   September 30th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

Republicans have no legs to stand on. They are the most hypocritical people on the planet. They care about nothing else but re-election. They and their supporters are the scum of the earth. Uneducated, ignorant, hillbillies. They are run by wealthy educated idiots who lead them like sheep to the slaughter. I pray for a day without Republicans on the planet. The most dispicable people ever.

Angi's mom   September 30th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

Both parties are childish, but who can argue with Rep. Grayson?
If you're uninsured, the hospital bills alone will kill you.

Brook Mantia   September 30th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

Aside from the fact that Grayson happens to be RIGHT - what is so different about what he said than what Republicans say about the President & the Democrats every day?

All they ever do is accuse, judge & condemn. This is just more of the same. But people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Grayson should do like the Republicans and declare he's Done Apologizing!

Bob of Lompoc   September 30th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

Congressman Grayson: Don't give an inch to the Cry Baby Price, You hit the nail right on the head. Boom! The Repubs started to sniffle. The Sissy Party of America -that's the Republicans.

Bush_Low_I.Q.   September 30th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

Resolution condemning Rep. Alan Grayson, for saying that the GOP health care plan calls for sick people to "die quickly." ------------–> No Good – Waste of Time – Stupid.

Resolution condemning Joe Wilson, for saying “You Lie.” ------------–> Good – Correct – Right.

Because: ------------------–>
1. It is not OK to Yell when someone or the President is Speaking. It is against the Decorum
2. It is OK to speak out one’s opinion, when one has the turn to Speak. It is OK to speak in turn, but it is not OK to Yell at others.

Libertarian   September 30th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

So who REALLY is lying here? The Insurance companies REALLY want this type of plan. If you get sick, cost them as little as possible, and God forbid you try to fight a lengthy disease....you'll get dropped.

So the repubs, being all concerned for the "capitalist insurance companies" are taking their side. Should we not add 1+1 and come up with 2???

Dave in Albuquerque   September 30th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

Maybe Grayson can apologize right after Joe Wilson apologizes.

Gerry   September 30th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

Petty Republican retribution for the "You lie" shoutout at the President. Is it time to monitor the House speeches to make sure no one is insulted or brings dishonor to the House? Regular House debate usually includes the same. Yelling at the President during a joint session of Congress brings a lack of decorum and disrespect to the House of Representatives, the President and the Office of the Presidency. Showing a sign on the House floor during one minute speeches is standard fair for loudmouthed and simple-minded politicians of all parties. Petty retribution. Nothing more, nothing less.

Orlando voter   September 30th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

Grayson represents my district, and I support his comments wholeheartedly. The GOP's only proposed plan is to attack or obstruct any plan that changes the status quo for companies profiting off the sick by brokering their coverage like bookies taking bets. We're better than that and we deserve the right of a compassionate plan for all.

No Incumbents 2010   September 30th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

Repukes insisted that Grayson apologize for telling the truth while supporting Wilson's refusal to apologize publicly to the U.S. House for his rude outburst at Obama. HYPOCRITES ! ! ! !

Minnesota   September 30th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

Your own house is full of crazy too isn't it GOP? How does it feel? Can't really call the kettle black here on this one can you?

Too bad we don't have even close to as many crazies as you, but Grayson's stunt is just a grain of sand compared to the mountain of BS that is said and done and acted on by the GOP.

An Ex-NC-Pub   September 30th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

How about "you lie:" "unplug grandma," the death of the gay young man was "Not a hate crime, it was a hoax;" "death panels;" etc?
The Republicans think everyone is as stupid as are they.

Sheena1a   September 30th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

I thought we had intelligent adults leading this country, but to my dismay, it seems like a bunch of bickering childrin, and that is very scary!!!!!

Big Ed   September 30th, 2009 4:38 pm ET

It's time for all these theatrics, faux woundings and career-advancing ulterior motives to stop. Both sides. Everyone needs to be quiet and listen to the people who voted you into office TO DO A JOB!! That job is to make well informed, smart decisions based on fact, not rhetoric or a pre-determined political stand based on their political party's "platform" and do what is right for America. That is the every-day American, not Corporate America, or Special Interest America! Let these groups know AMERICA IS NOT FOR SALE! It was bought and paid for , by Americans for Americans by fighting and dying for OUR freedom, not some other country or a group's business interests!

Eli   September 30th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

PLEASE, we all know why the GOP would even consider this. We all should also know this is totally different than yelling out in the middle of the Presidents speech.

unshrub   September 30th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

Even republicans are realizing how stupid they sound. This is no where near the same thing as calling the President a liar. Congress does this to each other all of the time. It is interesting how many republicans started crying that they were being called names are the same ones who have been lying about the the healath care plan and about Obama.

Bryan   September 30th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

So he should apologize for not making exactly who should die quickly......sorry rich Republicans, didn't mean you die quickly.

Cindy   September 30th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

Business as usual on the Hill... We've elected a bunch of kids.

Dex Houston TX   September 30th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

Stupid is as stupid does....Repubicans are a joke!

Josh in TN   September 30th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

Any thing the Repukes do any way is worthless these days.

NJ   September 30th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

OH MY GOSH THIS THE RICHEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD !!!

– Rush Limbaugh said death panels
– Glenn Beck said death panels
– Sarah Palin said death panels
– Sean Hanity said death panels
– Chuck Grassley said death panels
– Michael Steel said death panels
– John Boehner said death panels
– Jim Demint said death panels

on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on

The send out mailers saying death panels. They made phone calls saying death panels. They took at adverstisements saying death panels.

YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT PEOPLE WHO COULDN'T LIVE WITH THEMSELVES !!

The Bu   September 30th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

I think the comment was in poor taste and I don't care what party you represent or that you feel represents your values, it is time out for foolish talk like this. We hear it from the right and now we're hearing it from the left. Can we just get the facts of what each side is saying so we can get a clear understanding of what's being proposed. This type of language helps no one and it serves no purpose.

Tony in Maine   September 30th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

The Republicans are increasingly irrelevant. May the RIP – soon.

Gary   September 30th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

This resolution was as dumb as Nancy Pelosi's resolution about the congressman from south carolina. If we create a resolution everytime a congress person says something mean then we'll have like 10 per day. We need politicians with thick skin not thick skulls!!!

Chip   September 30th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

What hogwash! Republican silliness leading to irrelevance. And the march goes on!

wycliffe   September 30th, 2009 4:31 pm ET

I agree republican plan is "DO NOT GET SICK, AND IF YOU ARE SICK, DIE QUICKLY"

Minnesotan   September 30th, 2009 4:31 pm ET

Two words to prove the GOP stupidity and hypocrisy: Death Panels.

AG   September 30th, 2009 4:29 pm ET

How can this idiot equate the two? A verbal assault on the President of the United States in the process casting aspersions on his character "YOU LIE" and someone criticizing a POLICY POSITION put forward by some of the dumbest in the country who could not get it right even after TWO TERMS. PLEASE!!!!

Ray   September 30th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

Repubs are pro-big insurance. Insurance is a business that makes a huge profit by not paying out on elective AND necessary medical care.

You do the math.

Ren from Baltimore   September 30th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

What a pile of hypocrites these Republicans can be. So, Why The Face, Rep. Price? Jump the gun?

Sick of it   September 30th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

This is insane! Repubs behave like 8 year-old children having a tantrum! I hope Grayson says he'll apologize when every Republican apologizes for similar comments they've made during these discussions on the House floor. This is NOT the same as the "You Lie" incident. All this is doing is making Americans want to vote out EVERY SINGLE congress person. FOCUS ON ISSUES... not on this childish arguing. If he is trying to make a point about the "you lie" thing... it's lost on me.

WM   September 30th, 2009 4:26 pm ET

Please. It seems curious that Republicans promote lies about rationed care (Price included) and death panel nonsense to scare people away from much-needed reforms.

Then, the Grand Old Party of No continues to obstruct the bill to maintain the status quo, which actually IS rationed care from insurance companies that deny coverage and allow people to suffer (and yes, even die) for retention of greedy profits.

Someone calls them out on it in not so politically correct terms, and all of a sudden the GOP jumped into victim mode again with their usual indignation. Give me a break.

Lila   September 30th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

There's a BIG difference between interrupting the president in the middle of his speech to call him a liar and the heated words coming from Grayson.

If you can't see that...go use your nice insurance to get your head examined!

Peter   September 30th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH!! SO HELP ME GOD
"It's a very simple plan," Grayson said in a floor speech about health care on Tuesday night. "Don't get sick. That's what the Republicans have in mind. And if you get sick America, the Republican health care plan is this: die quickly."
Grayson you are right! you just forgot to add die quickly and leave the bills to your family !. While the insurance companies are enriching themselves and the politicians.

Boomer in Mo   September 30th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

Why should Grayson apologize for being truthful? If you don't have health insurance/can't afford to pay for it, it's because you are lazy and a drag on American society according to the Republicans in my family. You need to die and get out of the way. I did not hear how Grayson voiced his comment. If he yelled like a tea-partyer, then he should apologize for yelling, but not for telling the truth. There will be no health care reform until rich Republicans start dying from too little health care, too late.

Oregon   September 30th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

Condemning a man for telling the truth ... How very GOP of you Price

bcords   September 30th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

apoligize this... what he said was the truth! this is another republican made up controversy to keep the media from reporting on their inability to or unwillingness to cooperate with anything this president wants to get done. they want to turn eight years of doing nothing into twelve years of doing nothing so they hope they can get obama out of office. problem is they dont have enough voters because the college students are getting too smart for them, and they've completely lost the blacks and latinos. they keep trying their scare tactics on the seniors but between them and the jerry springer crowd, thats just not enough!

Mississippi Miss   September 30th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

Please... no more legislation condemning anyone. I don't care if they spit on the ceiling. He said... she said...we all fell off the bed...

This bickering has got to stop. Lollipops anyone?

D. Tree   September 30th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

The Republicans don't want everyone to go back and see how many times they said the same thing:

– “Last week Democrats released a health care bill which essentially said to America’s seniors: Drop dead.” [Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL), 7/21/09]

– “They’re going to save money by rationing care, getting you in a long line. Places like Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe. People die when they’re in line.” [Rep. Steve King (R-IA), 7/15/09]

– “The Republican plan will] make sure we bring down the cost of health care for all Americans and that ensures affordable access for all Americans and is pro-life because it will not put seniors in a position of being put to death by their government.” [Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), 7/28/09]

– “That’s exactly what’s going on in Canada and Great Britain today…and a lot of people are going to die.” [Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), 7/10/09]

– “One in five people have to die because they went to socialized medicine! … I would hate to think that among five women, one of ‘em is gonna die because we go to socialized care.” [Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), 7/15/09]

Nomoreteabaggers   September 30th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

False equivalence. Republicans stand up daily and claim that Democrats are going to "pull the plug on grandmas" and that health care reform is about "death panels"...there are too many examples of their crazy claims. Grayson gave them a taste of their own medicine and I admire what he said. What's more, Grayson was right that they waved blank pages of "Republican Healthcare Reform" at the president- blank means no ideas – Republicans want to let people die from lack of healthcare.

Kim   September 30th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

And Michelle Bachman?............

AM   September 30th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

Amazed to see how Reps find ways to waste time and money. They have no time to find a good solution for the problems.

www.firedoglake.com   September 30th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

If Republican leaders want to go down this road, then wouldn’t several Republican members of Congress have to be censured for the certifiably crazy things they’ve said on the House floor?

There’s a big difference between what Grayson said and when he said it and what Wilson said and when he said it.

The problem wasn’t that Wilson shouted "you lie," but that he spoke out of order during a joint session of Congress. Grayson had the floor when he identified the essence of the Republican health care reform proposal as amounting to “if you get sick, die quickly.”

If the Republicans want to call attention to this characterization of their ideas for health care reform, GREAT!

Besides, what could they possibly be aserting as a justification for censuring Grayson, that he hurt their feelings?

Fool me once shame on u, fool me twice... err...   September 30th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

We need more Alan Graysons in the Democratic Party. He absolutely has nothing to apologize for. I hope that the next time rep Grayson debates health care, that he will bring those same signs again with him. That would be really cool!

HJA   September 30th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

I have to agree with Grayson. The GOP is bed with the insurance lobby so they won't reform health care no matter what. That's what they want, health care reform to "die quickly". Keep those lobbyist bribes....I mean donations coming. ChaChing$$$$$ Over $100 million so far. Yipee!!!!

Rob Johnson   September 30th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

Grayson's comments were awkward, foolish, and about as subtle as getting hit over the head with a brick, but at least he didn't shout them out while someone else had the floor. I can see why Republicans aren't thrilled about having their position on healthcare summed up as "Don't get sick, and if you do, die quickly." But I don't see why it's a breach of decorum.

Considering that the majority of the GOP didn't vote to admonish Joe Wilson for screaming "You Lie!" in the middle of a Presidential address, I don't see how they could possibly criticize somebody whose biggest crime was misrepresenting his opponent's position.

If you censure everyone who does that, there won't be anybody left in Congress by the time you're done.

Tom B   September 30th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

Remind me which Republican said no time should be wasted disciplining Wilson for his outburst? Oh yes – it was all of them....
Remind me which Republican said Sarah Palin should be censured for calling the Democratic plan a bunch of Death Panels? Oh right – it was none of them... Nice consistency

Bill in CA   September 30th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

Look out America, it's "You Die" vs. "You Lie".....Maybe the media will turn it into a WWE match to the death.

Tom B   September 30th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

Equivocating this with Joe Wilson's outburst is simply tomfoolery. One was a comment during his own speech – the other is an interruption of the President of the United States' else speech.

Emma   September 30th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

His statement can never be compared with the "you lie" shouted out in the congressional chamber by a conservative Republican from the Confederate waving flag of South Carolina.

If this Congressman is censored or admonished in anyway, then I say "IMPEACH" the congressman from South Carolina for his rudeness and lack of courtesy in the congressional chambers.

mike721ct   September 30th, 2009 4:16 pm ET

Why should Grayson apologize? He is telling the truth. Republicans should be the ones apologizing for making up lies about death panels.

John in WV   September 30th, 2009 4:16 pm ET

Grayson owes no one an apology. He spoke the truth. If you can't afford health care, can't afford the medicine you need, and can't go to the doctor because you are ashamed to tell your doctor that you can't afford the service he or she can provide, then how in hell does that enable you to live longer?

SaintGenesius   September 30th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

The big differences between Grayson and Wilson are, of course, Wilson shouted at the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, out of order, and indirect violation of house rules. Oh, and of course, Wilson himself lied when calling the president a liar.

Grayson had the floor and was speaking during a debate on healthcare reform. Oh, and of course, Grayson is correct that the GOP backing of the current healtcare system essentially calls for people not getting sick, and if they do, insurance companies will do everything possible to see that they die quickly. This is well documented by insurance industry whistle blowers.

The Republicans once again prove they are petty, silly and, ultimately, unworthy of any support whatsoever.

Frank   September 30th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

What the republicans do not realize is that Joe Wilson yelled out "you lie" in a joint session in front of both chambers in Washington on live TV, while Alan Grayson made his comments in a much less publicized event that was not on national TV or in directed at the president. The difference is the setting in which the events happened, and the Joe Wilson incident was much worse because of the setting in which it happened. What hypocrites the republicans are. Why would anyone consider voting for these fakes?

kaleto   September 30th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Yet another example of fear-mongering by dems.

TCM   September 30th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Being from Central Florida, Grayson and Kosmas both are highly disliked here....they are both one and done. During the summer break they continually dodged their constituents about healthcare townhalls. Grayson thought he was slick by renting a 50 seat building, filling it with hand-selected cronies...and then letting the media in to see a full house of "supporters." Many outside where intimidated by thugs.......Kosmas hid behind a tele-townhall, fielding only "choice," questions.....so, Grayson's a loser, and the people here in Florida despise this one and done clown; him and his, "....everyone should get a Disney vacation for a week mentality....."

Jim   September 30th, 2009 4:14 pm ET

Apples and oranges. When a Democrat stands up in the middle of someone else's speech and yells something then introduce the resolution.

Besides, you can't call him a liar if he's telling the truth. Oh, wait, telling the truth in Congress would be a breach of decorum, what am I thinking?

MrManhattan   September 30th, 2009 4:14 pm ET

Greyson was at the podium and recognized by the chair. The only thing he did out of character for a congressman was tell the truth.

tia   September 30th, 2009 4:13 pm ET

How can libs say the congressman is telling the truth about this "plan" when for month they have all been screeming that the republicans have no plan. Or, at least not any alternative plans they are allowed to present?

Now suddenly they are willing to admit there are alternative plans?

Kim-SC   September 30th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Next thing we will hear across the isle is Nana Nana Boo Boo. Are you kidding me? I think Washington should give the taxpayers a refund on the days when politicians think they have an acting career because you really suck at it!

At the end of the day all these "players" in Washington (both sides) socialize together, they are still rich, and get free benefits at our expense and OH they have a JOB!

I do not care who said what about who you BETTER get busy and find the JOBS that seem to be missing for millions of AMERICANS!

Candice P.   September 30th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Alan Grayson has a reputation of being very unstable. For our nation's sake, he must be defeated.

montag24   September 30th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Republicans can dish it out, but they can't take it.

Good for Congressman Grayson. He was speaking the truth.

Sara   September 30th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Pleaseeee, give me a break.

Republicans, Republicans, Republicans

I Can't wait to see what you come up with next

dash   September 30th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Here's the site for the GOP "Basic Training" on Decorum and Civility in the House.

If the GOP wants to condemn Grayson, they need to do the same to Joe "you lie" Wilson. It is specifically written... "However, it is not permissible to use language that is personally offensive to the President, such as referring to him as a “hypocrite” or a “liar.”

Hypocrites!

RAG   September 30th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Even they know what he said was true.

Cleaning up after W   September 30th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

Grayson's comments and Wilson's outburst are apples and oranges. Joe Wilson interrupted the POTUS while he was addressing Congress on live television. Grayson's comments, regardless if you agree with them or not, did not childishly interrupt anyone and did not break any sort of rule. Republicans have made much cruder statements and resorted to far worse theatrics on the floor of Congress. This is simply about repubs trying to justify their bad behavior once again (We did it, but so did he!). Grow up.

welches, oregon   September 30th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

GOP your name is mud.

Wayne   September 30th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

I would call it a draw and move on. Republicans have often said unappropiate statements about our President and health care. Death panels, Socialism, not born in the US. Does any of these things sound familiar. You can't compare something said on the senate floor to the members, to direct insubordination to the President. Move -on Republicans, to the next set of stall tactics.

Centrist   September 30th, 2009 4:09 pm ET

Correction: Congressman Grayson's district is actually moderate with slightly more Democratic registrations.

Although Grayson's opinion against health-care opposition was strongly asserted on this issue, he is also well-known for his moderately bipartisan approaches as a congressional watchdog.

philip butchers   September 30th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

Well, well, well, for once the Republicans are not hypocritical. I was concerned that they might deny that their health plan is to not get sick and if you do you should just die. They don't have any issues sending our young men and women to fight every war, anywhere, anytime without a plan or giving very careful thought to it. I have been wondering if they really have an issue with killing people, especially after they came up with the misinformation about death panels.

Kevin Cantu   September 30th, 2009 4:07 pm ET

This resolution needs to "DIE QUICKLY" yup I went there...lol and by the way Republicans.."YOU LIE" too.

Paris Patt   September 30th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

FANTASTIC !!!
This means that the repub's are realizing that by trying to condemn the good Senator from Florida, they are spitting into the wind. Go get em Grayson !!! I'ts time that someone with courage stands up for the American people.

A Democrat of 51 years who has finally got smart to their foolishness.   September 30th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

I say both health plans need to be trash canned. The war is the most important issue, with the economy second and the security of this nation which goes with the war. Third is for the Supreme Court to step in and issue a warning for the Congress to participate with each other to get things done like our forefathers planned according to the constitution. Lastly if the ones of you who are praying for Obama. That is great. BUT YOU BETTER MAKE SURE YOU DO IT ACCORDING TO THE KORAN OTHERWISE HE WILL NOT HEAR IT FROM YOU INFIDELS.

Peter E   September 30th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

For a party that has been likening Obama to Hitler, Stalin, and all the evils of the world bent on destroying Americans, the GOP sure gets upset if somebody uses their own words against them. Haven't they been accusing Obama of 'death panels' for over half a year now?

D. Tree   September 30th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

Its true. The Republicans always say if you are uninsured "just go to the emergency room."

The problem with this is that you go bankrupt or foot the taxpayers with the bill. And the worst that could happen is that you DIE on the waiting room floor, just like in the video CNN showed last year.

People are dying in emergency rooms, and this is the Republican solution?

Denise in MD   September 30th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

Grayson is an idiot for saying what he said. But if Repubs move forward with condemning him for his statement, they need to also condemn themselves for their own "death panel" vitriol. Return to civility and intelligent conversation and none of these resolutions will ever have to be made.

JOBLESS IN IOWA   September 30th, 2009 4:05 pm ET

and Obama and the Democrates have death panels.

Jarod from San Diego   September 30th, 2009 4:05 pm ET

Thats right get him... and after youre done, lets go after the nutcases that lied openly in Congress about ACORN, The War on Iraq, Death Panels, Torture, etc... play games if you like Mr Congresmman but we the voters WILL remember you and your tactics during the upcoming elections

Steph   September 30th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

This is just stupid. Is that all the GOP has is games and NO. Please work on fixing our broken health care system.

Limbaugh is a liberal   September 30th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

For months now republicans have been talking about death panels and accusing the democrats of wanting to kill seniors. NOW they call such libels outrageous? Hypocrisy alert!

Amanda   September 30th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

Don't apologize Mr. Grayson. You are RIGHT and I congratulate you for saying the truth!!

Lori in St Pete   September 30th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

Uh oh, a bunch of egomaniacs must have gotten inboxes full of angry constituent emails offering them one way tickets home next election cycle!

Matt   September 30th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

Plus, Rep. Grayson didn't interrupt the president's speech. Unlike Joe Wilson.

Dinah   September 30th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

I am so glad that I am no longer a Republican. They don't have one brain among the whole party. What a sad joke they have become.

Dallas   September 30th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

Didn't we just go through this with Joe Wilson?

Is anyone else getting a sense of deja vu?

Marie Laveaux   September 30th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

Comparing Grayson's comment to Wilson's outburst is ludicrous. Expressing an opinion about something on the floor of the Senate to your peers during a debate is not the same as a junior Representative calling the President of the United States a liar during a Joint Session of Congress. And while the analogy is crude, the Republican plan pretty much says if you can't afford insurance, tough luck.

Matt   September 30th, 2009 4:00 pm ET

He shouldn't have to apologize.
The Republicans are hypocrites.

M.R. in L.A.   September 30th, 2009 4:00 pm ET

Anyone who's ever uttered the phrase "death panels" with a straight face has no standing whatsoever to criticize Grayson for his comments.

I can see Canada from my house!   September 30th, 2009 3:59 pm ET

So this is tit for tat....the only difference being that Grayson spoke to largely empty chamber, while Wilson screamed his sophmoric comment at the POTUS during a televised joint session of Congress. Get a grip, guys. You have no spine, no integrity, and no courage. You are the party that takes pride in rejecting everything, including personal responsibility, yet you demand others be held to a standard you will not adhere to yourself. People will tire of your antics when they realize that you have no strategy, no plan, no scruples: just a group of mindless chimps waiting for whatever Rush, or Mormon Glenn, or O'reilly, Coulter, et all, tell you to believe.

katiec   September 30th, 2009 3:59 pm ET

The last thing Congressman Grayson needs to do is apologize, as he stated the way many republicans think.
They have stooped to sewer tactics, once again putting big business over the survival of the American people. Their lies, fearmongering, inciting radical and racists behavior, all for the goal of party first, trying to destroy our president and the continuation of the diasters they brought upon our country.
With their actions we do not have to worry about foreign terrorists as we have many here who want to destroy us and our country.

JOE   September 30th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

the GOP has become a complete joke.

Milo Ippolito in Atlanta   September 30th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

How is this any different from the "death panels" comment coined by Republicans?

Diane   September 30th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

Don't you dare apologize. No decorum was breached. All that was said was the truth. I listen everyday to Republicans spout off that as long as we are happy with our Health Care the rest of you can die!! I've never seen more heartless people and I'm ashamed that the rest of the world thinks this is America, its not!!

RepublicanturnedDemocrat   September 30th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

The Republican's health care plan has nothing to do with health care... It has everything to do with DYING QUICKLY!

special kay   September 30th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

REPUBLICANS ARE SO FUNNY. When they paraded around stating the proposed bills in the House and Senate equated to nothing more than to KILL GRANDMA, DEATH PANELS, FREE HEALTH INS to ILLEGALS (which they receive anyway thru the ER), need I go on. As a young African American lesbian woman, I can promise you that I will NEVER vote for a Repub as long as I live. And I will be recruiting family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to do the same.

Ken   September 30th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

This looks like a "tail-between-the-legs" moment for the congressional rightwingers. Somebody must have awakened from their birth-bagging stupor and pondered just how far away from reality the [R] trainwreck has ventured. These idiots talk about 'decorum'?...you've got to be kidding me....these guys are the new American Taliban, and decorum is NOT part of their playbook –just ask their Lord Rush - yet they want everyone else to show decorum to them? In this instance they were shown the 'truth' and all they can do is act like adolescent drama queens.

Joshua College Station Texas   September 30th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

Decorum...hm.

Please don't apologize Mr. Grayson. You are not wrong.

Mike in MN   September 30th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

It just shows you what comes around goes around.
I Wilson is held accountable for yelling what he believed to be the truth and was punished, so should Grayson.
And from a broader perspective. The left put everything they had into demonize everything Bush did, now the right is blasting Obama with everything they got. Seems fair turnaround to me. The left claimed Bush stole the election and was not a legitimate president, so now you have the birthers from the right. Seems like a fair turnaround to me. Some on the left compared Bush to Hitler, and now some on the far right are comparing Obama to Hitler. I don't like the Hitler thing, but seems no more wrong for the right wing nuts to do this then it was for the left wing nuts to do it.
Right now both sides are in full political battle mode and I don't see a national leader anywhere on the horizion who can put a stop to it.

Tom   September 30th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

"House Democrats set a precedent for punishing bad behavior".

Wilson actually violated very specific rules against what can be said to a President on the House Floor.

There are no rules about how you describe the opposition.

5 Republican House Members said on the House Floor during the last month that the Democratic Plan would "kill people".

Are those 5 going to be asked to apologize?

Open Your 3rd Eye   September 30th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

LOL!

Oh, look how the little children play so nice.

Even after their feelings are hurt.

Michael in Seattle   September 30th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

What Joe Wilson did was totally different from what Alan Grayson did.

We Won Get Over It   September 30th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Here we have republicans falling all over them selves to condemn and call democrats names. Even interrupting the president in an unheard of action of calling out "you lie" during a speech and they now want to make a big deal out of a man telling the truth..

IT IS ABOUT TIME THE DEMOCRATS SHOWED THEIR SPINE....TELL REPUBLICANS TO "SUCK IT UP AND SHUT UP"

DARN IT WE WON- DONT' THE DEMOCRATS KNOW WHAT THE HADES THAT MEANS......

I am sick and tired of them trying to pacify the republicans. Remember when the big blubber ball of a sesennbreen or whatever the heck his name was, the representative from Michigan who came downstairs and pulled the plug on a recording machine and turned out the lights on the democrats when they were using a room legally and having a meeting legally....

Well the democrats had better show their resolve or the ones in office are going to be replaced with a democrat that has one .......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

smokey   September 30th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Give me a break ! You tired GOP people are really taking this stuff to far.. You are only to trying to do the same thing the Dems did to you re " the wilson outburst", but unfortunalty we can see right thru this...This person was only telling it like it is, and for some reason you people cant' seem to take your own medicine !!!!

Murf   September 30th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Well, at least he didn't call the GOP all "liars".

Justin   September 30th, 2009 3:53 pm ET

Boo hoo. The nerve of Grayson taking a page from the Republican playbook and making a derogatory generalization. How dare he! Isn't that copyright infringment since I'm pretty sure the Repube's hold the patent on that sort of tactic? Death panels? comparing Obama to Hitler and the Nazi party? Calling the POTUS a threat to humanity? Outbursts during a presidential address to Congress? All of those are proper decorum right? My God, talk about getting a taste of your own medicine for once. Fine, Grayson should apologize. But I also want an apology from Congress as a whole to the American public as a whole for acting like sniveling school children.

Jarod from San Diego   September 30th, 2009 3:53 pm ET

They better not had. After all of the outrights LIES and distortion of the truth to the AMERICAN Public, these cowards wouldnt dare condem someone because they played the same infantile game.

Mr. Man   September 30th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

GOP, grow up. Your guy Wilson insulted the President of the USA in front of a joint session of congress. Grayson made a clever remark to the cameras (and Grayson got it right...) There's no comparison.

itsmekapinatl   September 30th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

Tit for tat. I think we use to play this game on the playgrounds when we were children. Let's vote these idiots out of office and elect real adults to grown folks work. I am tired of this nonsense from the Democrats and Republicans. We have more important agenda than this nonsense. If both parties would get their heads out of their butts and their hands out of the the pockets of the insurance and pharmaceutical companies than maybe we can get something done. It is time for a change and we need to make it now.

larry   September 30th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

hey he tells the truth about the republicans GOP GREED OPERTUNISTC PARTY!

Mario, mtl, ca.   September 30th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

Why when the truth come out

Bones   September 30th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

The GOP, a bunch of crickety old white men who have nothing better to do than stomp their feet or cry. No blame can be thrown their way because they do no wrong, and when they get offended, you better watch out!

Honest Abe   September 30th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

that's exactly what we have now and what the republicans want us to continue to have!!! THE PUBLIC OPTION BETTER PASS OR THIS COUNTRY WILL SEE A REVOLUTION!

tdorch   September 30th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

This is how childish the republicans are. They have made worse statements on the Floor during this debate...The pull the Plug in the Grandma crowd wants an apology. Get Real. If Rep. Grayson apologizes he needs to lose his seat!

it's about time   September 30th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

I loved it! I was discouraged yesterday after reading that the SFC showed their intent (come on you republicans are becoming obvious) to stall the entire healthcare debate. I am so glad to see a few democrats come out swinging–you republicans are only getting what you deserve. I have voted republican in the past and also democrat but i will say that we desperately deserve some form of healthcare reform and if it doesn't happen i will be voting for democrats from now on. At least they care about the ones who voted for them!
Grayson, do NOT apologize. You had the floor unlike Wilson. You had the floor!

Sniffit   September 30th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

That quite clearly wasn't a breach of decorum by Grayson, but this quite clearly IS a political stunt by the GOPers. Problem for them is that they couldn't get enough votes to support them, so they're just going to suggest it and let their angry true-believing base be angry about it and hopefully donate as a result. After all, it's all about fundraising, not correctly and accurately interpreting the Senate Rules or the Constitution or proposed health care reform bills or the words that actually came out of Obama's mouth or anything like that....

Angie in PA   September 30th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

No need to Apologize Grayson its about time a Democrat Grew some and gave the Republicans a dose of their own vile medicine kudos to the Rep!

virginia for obama   September 30th, 2009 3:48 pm ET

Grayson don't you dare apologize!

Lisa   September 30th, 2009 3:48 pm ET

The republicans are evil people. They refuse to support a bill that gives everyone health care...then want the democrates to apologize for telling the truth WOW!

Randolph Carter   September 30th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

So it's OK to call the president a liar during the state of the union speech, but this is stepping over the line? Hmm.... have a nice day!

P.S. Gotcha last, neocons.

Josh   September 30th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

Can they apologiize for the lies they told about death pannels?

gt   September 30th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

this is the kind of crap we get from both sides..... know wonder nancy pelosi was crying,,,, no wonder we can not get anything done .. ...this type neanderthal behavior is pityful....

Rewhinagain   September 30th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

He noted that House Democrats set a precedent for punishing bad behavior when they voted in favor of a resolution formally disapproving of Republican Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie!" at President Obama.

"That was the avenue that was defined by the Democrats in charge when someone breaches the decorum," Price said. "So we chose the same vehicle."
-
Republicans are children

Jay T.   September 30th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

The slandering they have done and they were even thinking about pursuing this.

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