What Is a Resolution of Disapproval?

by Jordan Yerman | September 15, 2009 at 06:23 am

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House Democrats will seek a Resolution of Disapproval against South Carolina Rep Joe Wilson as a result of his outburst during President Barack Obama's speech on health care reform. What is a Resolution of Disapproval? Basically, it's a slap on the wrist in the form of a House vote, a censure instead of an actual punishment. As one would expect, Democrats tend to be in favor of this action and Republicans tend to be against it, though that isn't entirely the case.

Most Republicans are expected to vote against the “resolution of disapproval.” Aides said a handful of GOP “institutionalists” appalled by the outburst or vulnerable members from districts won by Obama might defect from Boehner’s position.

Also, some Democrats worry that the resolution will allow Republicans to continue harping on what they (Democrats) see as a fake issue: the ability of illegal immigrants to benefit from any hypothetical health care reform. There's also the sense of just wanting to move on, since Wilson has gotten enough attention for his outburst as it is, and continued focus on his antics is just a distraction from the larger argument over health care reform.

Clyburn's stern rebuke differs greatly from the tone taken by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who told reporters today, "It's time for us to talk about healthcare, not Joe Wilson." She then dismissed numerous calls for his formal censure.