Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) threatened to deny any further spending projects to a Republican who challenged him over an earmark, his antagonist has charged -- a potential violation of House rules.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) had challenged money that Murtha inserted into an intelligence bill last week.
Rogers turned the tables later that night by saying he would propose a reprimand of Murtha for violating House rules.
The Republican is planning to insert a transcript of their exchange in the Congressional Record to document the potential violation.
The privileged resolution will also require a House vote to reprimand Murtha for his comments, according to a copy received by Politico. Rogers is expected to file it on Monday.
It does not call for an investigation by the ethics committee.
'The way I do it'
According to the draft resolution, Murtha shouted at Rogers on the House floor Thursday for offering a motion last week to expose $23 million Murtha requested in an intelligence bill.
Murtha had requested the money to prevent the administration from shuttering the National Drug Intelligence Center in Johnstown, Pa.. in Murtha’s district.
“I hope you don’t have any earmarks in the defense appropriations bills because they are gone, and you will not get any earmarks now and forever,” Murtha told Rogers on the House floor, according to the draft transcript given Politico.
“This is not the way we do things here -- and is that supposed to make me afraid of you?” Rogers replied.
“That’s the way I do it,” Murtha said.
Members are not allowed to threaten earmarks or tax provisions.
The showdown occurred on the Republican side of the aisle, in the so-called Ohio Corner, in front of numerous GOP lawmakers who witnessed the episode, one member present said.
Murtha could not immediately be reached for comment.
If it took place as alleged, Murtha’s tirade would violate House rules.
Lawmakers “may not condition the inclusion of language to provide funding for a congressional earmark, a limited tax benefit, or a limited tariff benefit in any” legislation, according to House rule XXIII, clause 16.
Tags: Politics, Murtha, Corruption, Federal Fuckwits at the Helm
