Reid to senators: ‘Sit down and shut up’
WASHINGTON — Tempers and frustrations are flaring in Congress on the eve of its August recess.
“Have senators sit down and shut up, OK,” Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday, addressing freshman Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who was presiding over the Senate, but in an uncharacteristic loud voice aimed at chatting colleagues.
“It’s unfair ... it’s just not polite,” the Nevada Democrat added, referring to Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who had been recognized to speak on a highways and housing bill about to be blocked.
House Speaker John Boehner told reporters earlier, quoting: “I’m sure the August recess will have our members in a better mood when they come back.”
The Ohio Republican’s comment followed a question about postponement of a vote on the House version of the highways bill.