Franken shuts down Lieberman on Senate floor

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Democratic Sen. Al Franken has taken the unusual step of shutting down Sen. Joe Lieberman on the Senate floor.

Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, is the target of liberal wrath over his opposition to a government-run insurance plan in the healthcare overhaul bill.

Franken, of Minnesota, was presiding over the Senate today as Lieberman spoke about amendments he planned to offer to the bill. Lieberman asked for an additional 30 seconds to finish -- a routine request -- but Franken refused to grant the time.

Lieberman, appearing taken aback, said he’d submit the rest of his statement in writing. Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona came to his friend Lieberman’s defense and criticized Franken’s behavior as inappropriate.

--Associated Press