House to discipline Wilson Tuesday afternoon

The House Democratic leadership has decided to bring a "resolution of disapproval" Tuesday afternoon against Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) for his jeer last week at President Obama during a Joint Session of Congress.

Wilson bellowed "You lie!" at Mr. Obama during his address. It’s against House rules to call the president a “liar” or accuse him of “lying” when the House is in session.

"We’re not the British parliament for a reason,” said Kristie Greco, spokeswoman for House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC)."Ignoring the issue sets a precedent for bad behavior.”

Greco described the resolution as “direct” and “non-partisan.”

“It goes directly to conduct on the House floor,” Greco said.

Most Democrats in the House appear poised to sanction Wilson. But many Republicans argue that the South Carolina Republican has already apologized and said this step is unnecessary. In fact, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) opposed punishing Wilson until Clyburn and other Democratic leaders persuaded her to change her mind.

A “resolution of disapproval” is not one of the four forms of discipline typically meted out in the House.  The most commonly-used means of punishment are expulsion, censure, reprimand and a fine.

A simple majority vote is needed to approve the resolution against Wilson.