Democrat Shuts Off Dornan’s Mike in House Outburst Over Contra Aid

Tensions over the volatile situation in Nicaragua spilled onto the House floor Wednesday, when a Democratic lawmaker abruptly cut off California Rep. Robert K. Dornan’s microphone during a scathing speech he was making against opponents of U.S. aid to the Contras.

Dornan (R-Garden Grove) had gone well past the one-minute limit allowed for such speeches, but he and other Republicans were stunned and then enraged when Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), the acting Speaker, abruptly ordered a House technician to pull the plug.

“My honor has been impugned!” Dornan shouted as Ackerman tried to gavel him down and restore order. Quickly, other Republicans jumped to their feet and began protesting the action. Democrats, who were angered by Dornan’s remarks, began shouting back.

At one point, about 20 House members were on their feet, yelling to be heard, pounding on lecterns and shocking onlookers who watched the bizarre scene unfold from gallery seats.

Dornan’s outburst was triggered by earlier comments from California Rep. Tony Coelho (D-Merced), who criticized Republicans for voting against a Democratic-sponsored aid plan earlier this month.

“In my 10 years in Congress, I have never heard so obnoxious a statement as I heard from Mr. Coelho, which means ‘rabbit’ in Portuguese,” yelled Dornan, as he began his speech.

When Ackerman began pounding his gavel, saying that the minute was up, Dornan refused to stop, shouting, “Wait a minute! People are dying because of this chamber!”

Order was restored only after Republicans formally appealed Ackerman’s decision. Minutes later, the House voted 237-167 along party lines to uphold the decision cutting off Dornan’s microphone.