House to vote today on scolding Rep. Wilson

WASHINGTON -- Barring a last-minute apology to Congress, Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina faces what is likely to be a partisan vote scolding him for shouting "You lie!" at President Obama.

Democratic aides said House leaders were preparing to introduce a resolution of disapproval Tuesday afternoon, with a vote likely later in the day.

Democrats confirmed Monday night that they were moving forward with the rebuke.

Wilson has apologized to the White House for his outburst last week during Obama's speech to Congress. But Democrats say Wilson also should apologize to Congress for what they call an unprecedented breach of decorum.

Wilson has refused to do so, saying his initial apology was sufficient.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Wilson reiterated his regrets for shouting "You lie!" in the middle of Obama's health care speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. "I would never do that again," Wilson said. But he rejected demands from some of his colleagues, including House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., that he deliver a formal apology on the House floor.

"I have apologized to the president," Wilson said. "I believe that is sufficient."

There are precedents for considering action against Wilson.

In 2003, House Republican leaders forced then-House Ways and Means Committee chairman Bill Thomas, R-Calif., to apologize for calling the U.S. Capitol Police to evict Democrats from a meeting room.

Two years ago, the House voted 196-173 to table House Republican leader John Boehner's resolution to censure Rep. Pete Stark after the California Democrat suggested that then-president George W. Bush enjoyed U.S. casualties in Iraq.

A reprimand vote on Wilson presents Republicans with a difficult choice: A "no" vote could condone conduct that many in the party, including 2008 presidential candidate John McCain, have condemned, while a "yes" vote could irk newly energized conservatives, such as the tens of thousands who packed Washington for an anti-Obama rally Saturday — some carrying "You lie" and "Joe Wilson: My hero" banners.