HOUSE Republican Leader John Boehner

Washington, May 21, 2008 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after Oversight & Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) threatened and attempted to intimidate his Committee colleague, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), during a committee hearing yesterday:

“Chairman Waxman’s behavior in the Oversight & Government Reform Committee yesterday was appalling and beneath the dignity of the House.  His abuse of power is further proof that House Democrats have broken their promise to run the most open and honest Congress in history.  Moreover, his outrageous threats and intimidation against a fellow Committee colleague were not only unbecoming for a Member of Congress, but frankly, unbecoming for anyone who hopes to be treated as a professional.  Chairman Waxman owes an apology to Mr. Issa, his Committee colleagues, and anyone who witnessed his shameful behavior.  But more importantly, he owes the American people an apology because these types of heavy-handed threats have no place in the people’s House.”

NOTE: Video of Chairman Waxman’s abusive outburst is available here.

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