WASHINGTON — The House broke Friday from a divisive debate on banking laws to applaud a military unit visiting the Capitol. But first, lawmakers had to finesse their own rules.
Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., asked for the House to recognize more than 85 soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C., in the chamber’s gallery. Bachus’ appeal was rejected. House rules prohibit members from referring to or addressing occupants in the gallery. Members are supposed to direct remarks to the chair.
Immediately after the vote, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said, “It is not under the rules appropriate to directly address people who are in our gallery, but it is always in order to pay honor to those who serve us.”
Members rose in unison for long applause for the members of the 261st Multifunctional Medical Battalion. The Associated Press
