Washington (CNN) - Under fire for appearing to shield BP from criticism Thursday morning, Rep. Joe Barton was told by House GOP leaders later in the day to apologize "immediately" or lose his position as the senior Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, several Republican sources tell CNN.
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, delivered the pointed demand to Barton, a Texas congressman.
Related: Congressman: 'I am ashamed' of 'shakedown' of BP
"He was told apologize immediately or you will lose your position immediately," said a Republican leadership aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The aide added, "Now that he's apologized, we'll see what happens going forward."
After making his controversial comments to BP CEO Tony Hayward, Barton apologized later in the hearing and then followed up with a stronger written statement.
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He was FORCED to apologize? He could not draw this conclusion on his own? Where is the outrage?! Rep. Boehner and Cantor threatened him behind closed doors! Would that not be considered "Chicago style, thug politics or....gasp... a SHAKEDOWN?!"
Regardless, Congressman Barton, you should be ashamed of YOURSELF, not our President! You should step down and resign from office. I hope your constituents remember this "faux pas" come next election and the Democrats use it to their fullest advantage come this fall!
Thanks your for solidifying what most of already realized: the GOBP is for big business and not the small people!
His butt should have been thrown off that committee with or without a so called apology. Since he was coerced to apologize how can anyone accept it as a sincere one.
Shame on him for saying such an awful remark. I'm sure those hurting in the Gulf over this tragedy would have a some pretty negative remarks in reply.
The Repubs will do and say anything to discredit Obama.
Wonder if he's also one of Demented's C-Streeters . . . . . .
Now this is a good occasion to check Fox "news"
site.
Turns out, the vast majority of teabaggers are SUPPORTING Barton and are angry at “those GOP officials” who made him "apologize" for apologizing to BP…
LOL
Barton is a disgrace. Another politician representing big interests instead of the common man.
amazing
The GOP – so out of touch with reality, it hurts
the party of fat cats, dumb stuffed shirts (cough palin cough) and the rich
I've been a life long IND voter
time to join the Dems
go Obama! make them pay
Now this is a good occasion to check Fox "news" site.
Turns out, the vast majority of teabaggers are SUPPORTING Barton and are angry at “those GOP officials” who made him "apologize" for apologizing to BP…
LOL
JOE BARTON = Proof that Republicans are slaves to their Oil Masters.
So what's new. Bobby Gindal probably agrees with him....
"GObP" ... the newest makeover for the Republican weasel party.
I guess Boehner messed with Texas.
QUESTION?
If Republican Joe Barton apologized for his "shakedown" comments because he was forced to apologized. . .
. . . than does that mean Joe's apology is sincere?
If a senator takes money from an industry, they must be barred from voting and making government decisions in regards to said industry. their opinion is tainted and cannot be trusted to make decisions
barton you are a joke and a lap dog for the oil industry. I know you have to oppose the President at every turn because that is the repukelicans idea of governing until you can "take your country back", but you were an embarrassment to the state of Texas and the office you currently hold by suggesting that BP was strong armed into providing for people that have lost their livelihood. As a lifelong hypocrite I am sure that you would have sung a different song if the oil that is decimating the gulf had washed ashore here in Texas. You are a patsy for the rich and the oil companies. If I were sympathetic to the oil companies I would join their chorus by saying"good dog joe, good dog!!
If you think Republican Joe Barton is bad . . . . wait until you hear this;
. . . . now Michele Bachmann wants out-of-work oil-rig employees to confirm their U.S. citizenship.
Republican Joe Barton and the GOP HATE oil-soaked Gulf Coast fishermen.
Why apologize? It is a shake down by Barry
The republicon told him what they told paul and whatever that loney woman in nevada is called....
stop telling people in public what the republicon party stands for. If we remind voters of what republicons