Update: House Approves Resolution of Disapproval Against Wilson
The House of Representatives Tuesday voted to formally punish Rep. Joe Wilson forshouting "You lie!" atPresident Obama last week during a Joint Session of Congress.
The House voted 240 to 179 in favor of the resolution of disapproval of Wilson. Seven Republicans joined 233 Democrats in voting to adopt the resolution. Twelve Democrats voted against the resolution; five voted present.
During an hourlong debate, Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics.
"This is a sad day for the House," said Minority Leader John Boehner, who called Wilson a "decent human being" who did the right thing and apologized to President Obama last week.
Majority Whip James Clyburn defended this was not about partisan politics or inappropriate comments. "To the contrary, this is about the rules of this House and reprehensible conduct," Clyburn said.
During the debate, Wilson attacked the resolution. "The challenges our nation faces are far bigger than any one member," he said. "This action today will do nothing to rein in the growing cost of government."
Wilson Will Not Apologize Again
South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson says he will not apologize on the House floor for shouting You lie! during President Obamas health care speech on Wednesday to a Joint Session of Congress.
I am not going to apologize again. I apologized to the President on Wednesday night, Wilson told Chris Wallace on FOX News Sunday.
Wilson says he called the White House after the speech Wednesday night. He says the White House accepted the apology and that's good enough for him.
Democratic leaders plan to propose a resolution of disapproval this week if Wilson doesn't apologize to Congress. That would put Congress on record as condemning Wilson's conduct.
Wilson still believes President Obama was misstating the facts when he said illegal immigrants would not qualify for government health care.
I believe he was misstating the facts," Wilson said. "I truly would have said it in a different way if I had the time...but what he said was not accurate, he added.
Wilson admits he would never do something like that again, but he was provoked by the president's speech.
"I just felt so provoked because I am on committee -- Education and Labor. I know the amendments that were at Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce that the Democrats voted down for citizenship verification. So I knew what he said was not true," Wilson said.
Wilson, who is up for re-election in 2010, has raised $1,000,000 in online campaign contributions since his outburst Wednesday night, as has his Democratic opponent Rob Miller.
In a web video on his campaign website, Wilson says On these issues I will not be muzzled. I will speak up and speak loudly against this risky plan. He says the response in his district has been overwhelming loving.
Wilsons South Carolina colleague Senator Lindsey Graham said hed like to see this matter end.
Joe's a good man. He made a mistake. Don't give up on fighting health care. But what he said was inappropriate. This needs to come to the end for the good of Joe, South Carolina and the country. I'll leave it up to his good counsel as to what to do next. But he has apologized to the president, and I appreciate that very much, Graham said on FOX News Sunday.
Watch the full FNS interview with Congressman Wilson here.
[foxvideo 9527987]
Connect with Fox News Sunday
Follow foxnewssunday