House Democrats to vote on Joe Wilson censure today, GOP opposed

The House of Representatives is poised to vote on a formal reprimand for South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson (R) after his outburst last week during President Obama's speech to Congress.

During the President's address to the joint session of Congress, Wilson shouted "You lie!" at Mr. Obama as he was talking about health care coverage for illegal immigrants. The outburst prompted glares and boos from the Democratic side of the chamber. Wilson apologized to President Obama and called White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel immediately after the speech was complete. Initially, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi did not want to take action, but was under pressure of the liberal wing of the party to officially reprimand the South Carolina Republican unless he made an apology on the floor of the House, which Wilson said he will not do. The vote to officially condemn Wilson is set for this afternoon and not all Democrats are on board with the plan. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) said that she does not want to see Congressman Wilson become a "martyr." Congressman Paul Hodes (D-NH) said that he to was a definite no because "the focus on his outburst has served as a distraction to the larger goal of providing affordable, portable, high quality health care to every family. We need to work together as Republicans and Democrats to craft a bill that seeks to lower costs, increase quality of care, and put families back in control of their health care. In my judgment, it’s time to move on and I do not support this resolution.” Republicans, according to the House Minority Leader, are free to vote how they wish and are not being forced into a party line vote. “”Our members are going to make their own decision," said Congressman John Boehner of Ohio.