The congressional heckler who cried “baby killer” during Rep. Bart Stupak’s speech in favor of health care reform Sunday night has been identified as Rep. Randy Neugebauer, a third-term Republican from Texas.
The conservative, pro-life Neugebauer identified himself as the heckler in a public statement issued Monday afternoon, but was careful to note that he “exclaimed the phrase ‘it’s a baby killer’ in reference to the agreement reached by the Democratic leadership,” not Stupak himself.
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Neugerbauer says he called Stupak to inform the Democrat from Maryland that his comments were not directed towards him.
“I have apologized to Mr. Stupak and also apologize to my colleagues for the manner in which I expressed my disappointment about the bill,” Neugebauer’s statement said. “The House Chamber is a place of decorum and respect. The timing and tone of my comment last night was inappropriate.”