House officially rebukes Rep. Joe Wilson, 240-179

WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives officially rebuked Republican Joe Wilson on Tuesday for shouting "You lie!" in the middle of President Obama's health care address to a joint session of Congress.

The South Carolina lawmaker's outburst last week was a "breach of decorum," according to the resolution, which states that the House "disapproves" of his behavior. The resolution passed 240-179, largely along party lines. Seven Republicans broke with their leadership to support it; 12 Democrats were opposed.

The vote came after Wilson refused to deliver a formal apology from the House floor. Wilson told USA TODAY and Gannett's WLTX-TV in an interview after the House action that he was "disappointed" by the "classic political game playing."

He conceded he objected to Obama's policies "in the wrong time and the wrong place," but insisted he had apologized enough. "People know I'm a civil person," he said. "I respect the president."

During the floor debate, however, a top Democrat urged members to send a message about civility. "Proper contrition has not been made," said House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina. "The first sign of education is good manners."

Republicans accused Democrats of wasting time on what House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, called "a partisan stunt." Republican speakers did acknowledge that Wilson's conduct was out of line.

"Last Wednesday was not a good day in the House," said Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., referring to the day of Wilson's remark, "but today is worse."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said last week that the House should "talk about health care, not Mr. Wilson." But she still supported members of her party who insisted on a formal rebuke and cast a rare vote Tuesday, in favor of the resolution. The House speaker usually does not vote.

During the debate, Wilson said he was grateful for the support of his family and constituents. He noted that Obama had "graciously accepted" his apology, which Wilson delivered by telephone to Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel. Wilson said that the Democrats' insistence on pushing "a very bad health care plan" had "provoked partisanship."