Clyburn Refuses To Apologize For Stark Outburst

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said Thursday that he will not apologize for Rep. Pete Stark’s (D-Calif.) controversial comments on the Iraq war, claiming that the outspoken lawmaker “is responsible for his actions.” During an interview on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzer, Clyburn distanced himself from Stark’s comment earlier this week during floor debate on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Triggering a GOP outcry, Stark charged that Republicans “don’t have the money to fund the war or children. But you’re going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president’s amusement.”

Pressed by Blitzer, Clyburn said, “I’m responsible for my actions. He’s responsible for his actions. I would not use those words, but Pete Stark is Pete Stark.”

Clyburn is due in Oklahoma City on Saturday as the featured speaker at the annual Carl Albert Dinner staged by Democrats.

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