‘Gracious’ House session turns tense

The House of Representatives began work yesterday with the words “gracious day” but tension occurred near the end of the proceedings when a lawmaker banged the table with his fist during deliberation with his colleagues.

The session got underway with Speaker Arnold Palacios beaming as some lawmakers kept using the word “gracious” during the start of the session.

Palacios also used the word “gracious” and Rep. Christina Sablan joined in, using the word when requesting to be heard.

This prompted Rep. Victor Hocog, with his big voice, to declare, “Today is a gracious day!” drawing laughter from lawmakers and some people in the chamber.

Serious deliberation, however, followed, focusing on a House bill that would require appointees to the Medical Professional Licensing Board to be confirmed by the Senate.

Rep. Sablan asked for a short recess. While Speaker Palacios was asking her how much time she needs, Rep. Hocog asked for the privilege to speak. Hocog, the principal author of the bill, begged that he be allowed to say his piece before the power goes off.

“I guess the bill is self-explanatory, Mr. Speaker, and to move for another amendment…” said Hocog, who failed to finish his sentence when Rep. Sablan raised a question to Palacios.

At this, Hocog banged his fist on the table. “Congresswoman! Please…I’m speaking and I asked privilege to the speaker and she’s speaking while I’m talking,” the Rota lawmaker said.

Sablan quickly replied that she certainly has the right to privilege, too.

“Now you have to ask permission before you talk!” Hocog said.

Sablan replied, “Point of order!”

By then, no one was mentioning “gracious” anymore.

At that point, Speaker Palacios intervened. He asked the members to be very, very patient in order to have an orderly session. Palacios reminded the members to be recognized first by raising a hand before stating their piece.

Hocog then moved to end debate on the issue. Majority seconded the motion.

Hocog’s bill was approved. Only Sablan objected to it.

Palacios said that sometimes lawmakers tend to become very, very passionate with their position, but that he wants to have an orderly session.

The smiling Palacios then asked Floor Leader Joseph James Camacho to call for a not-so-controversial issue. Camacho obliged, segueing to a bill on veterinarian liabilities.