Lawmakers pause bitter debate to honor soldiers

[unhappycamper]

Lawmakers pause bitter debate to honor soldiers
By Ann Sanner - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Dec 11, 2009 15:52:05 EST

WASHINGTON — The House broke Friday from a divisive debate on banking laws to applaud a military unit visiting the Capitol.

But first, lawmakers had to finesse their own rules.

They were about to vote on a financial regulation amendment when Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., asked for the House to recognize more than 85 uniformed soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C., seated in the chamber’s gallery.

Though a handful of lawmakers started to applaud, Bachus’ appeal was rejected. House rules prohibit members from referring to or addressing occupants in the gallery. Members are supposed to direct remarks to the chair.

“The chair cannot entertain that request at this time,” said freshman Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Md., who was presiding over the debate.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_bragg_soldiers_honored_congress_121109/