FAST TALKING BONER

"This morning, during the memorial service for Tom Lantos — a public servant beloved on both sides of the aisle — the House Democratic leadership violated an agreement and called the House back into session," Steel said. "They took this action despite clearly understanding that it would trigger a series of procedural motions. This cheap, cynical political move seems to have been designed to shut down one of the few procedural tools that can be employed by the minority party in the House. Playing this sort of game during the memorial service of a great and good man is beneath the dignity of this House and should be beneath the dignity of Democratic leaders."

JUST TO KEEP THE RECORD STRIGHT

Democratic aides were shocked when, during the middle of a memorial for Holocaust survivor and Congressman Tom Lantos, GOP Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Flordia demanded a procedural vote on the floor, forcing members to leave the service early, even "while dignitaries were still giving tributes to Lantos."