Republican Rep. Compares Talking To Sebelius to Talking To ‘Republic Of Korea Or Something’
When Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius appeared before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman John Shimkus of IL couldn’t keep his composure.
…Sebelius underwent intense, interruption-filled questioning by Rep. John Shimkus (R-Il) over a wide range of health care reform-related issues. At one point, Shimkus tried to pressure Sebelius into agreeing that preventive services raise premiums, and when she would not, a frustrated Shimkus sputtered “It’s like talking to,” then paused before adding “the Republic of Korea, or something.”
The Republic of Korea is, of course, a key U.S. ally. North Korea, which calls itself the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is not. Shimkus was either saying that talking to Secretary Sebelius is like talking to a close longtime ally, or he got his Koreas mixed up.
Shimkus’ outburst caused him to be admonished by the committee chair, and a brief shouting match occurred, until Shimkus was instructed, “The gentleman will suspend. The gentleman will suspend. Give the secretary time to answer.”
