We’ve all seen debates in Congress that get pretty rough.
But yesterday, Congressman Barney Frank took on Jeb Hensarling and apparently crossed the line.
And it cost Congressman Frank an afternoon in what amounts to congressional time out.
And it concerns the rather arcane rules in Congress regarding how insulting you can actually be.
Most debate in Congress is fairly tame.
But Congressman Barney Frank is not…oh, the word shy comes to mind.
But Wednesday, Texas congressman jeb Hensarling was speaking on the so-called Jobs Act, a bill that actually, both parties sort of favor.
But Frank essentially accused Hensarling of lying.
That earned him a reprimand of sorts.
You see the rules of the House can be a little vague.
You can say someone is wrong or misguided.
But you can’t say they are a liar or unpatriotic or devious.
You can’t say they are stupid or refer to race or religion.
Now most of us probably thing these things are said all the time. But apparently, they are not.
And when you cross the line, your words are stricken from the record and you’re not allowed to speak for the rest of the day.
Which in most cases, actually qualifies as a blessing.