Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) on Thursday objected over and over again in order to keep statements out of the congressional record that accused Republicans of hurting working families by taking food stamps out of the farm bill.
July 11, 2013

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) on Thursday objected over and over again in order to keep statements out of the congressional record that accused Republicans of hurting working families by taking food stamps out of the farm bill.

Before a vote could be taken on the Republican farm bill that drops the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- or food stamps -- Democrats attempted to voice their unhappiness by inserting statements into the record.

"Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in strong opposition to the farm bill rule and the underlying bill because it will increase hunger in America," Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) said.

Although requests to "revise and extend" remarks are routine, Gohmert immediately shouted, "Objection!"

Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-Il) next asked permission to "revise and extend" his remarks in opposition to the farm bill "because it takes food nutrition away from working families."

"Objection!" Gohmert yelled.

"What he is doing is he is not even giving members on our side the courtesy inserting their statement in the record?" Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) asked.

As several more Democratic representatives attempted to insert remarks that the bill "hurts the working poor" and "increases hunger and poverty," Gohmert repeatedly objected.

"I think it is extremely unfortunate that that members on the other side of the aisle would deny members on this side of the aisle the ability to insert written materials in the record," McGovern noted. "In all my years here, I've never seen such uncourteous gesture."

"Will the gentleman yield?" Gohmert asked, apparently wanting time to explain his objections.

"I will not yield," McGovern replied.

President Barack Obama has threatened to veto any farm bill which does not include funding for the food stamp program.

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