TribBlog: Neugebauer Shouted "Baby Killer"

Mystery solved. It was U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, who shouted, "Baby killer!" — or, as he says, "It's a baby killer!" — as U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Michigan, spoke during last night's health care debate.

Neugebauer released the following statement:

Last night was the climax of weeks and months of debate on a health care bill that my constituents fear and do not support.  In the heat and emotion of the debate, I exclaimed the phrase ‘it's a baby killer' in reference to the agreement reached by the Democratic leadership.  While I remain heartbroken over the passage of this bill and the tragic consequences it will have for the unborn, I deeply regret that my actions were mistakenly interpreted as a direct reference to Congressman Stupak himself.

I have apologized to Mr. Stupak and also apologize to my colleagues for the manner in which I expressed my disappointment about the bill.  The House Chamber is a place of decorum and respect.  The timing and tone of my comment last night was inappropriate.

Before his outburst, the Lubbock representative was open about his dissatisfaction with Stupak, a pro-life Democrat who decided to vote for the bill even though it did not include his amendment prohibiting federal funding of abortions.  Sunday afternoon, Neugebauer tweeted: "Bart Stupak sold out to Nancy Pelosi and will now support the Senate version that allows for government funded abortions."