House voids votes of members not sworn in

[January 08, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans had to correct a first-week gaffe by nullifying the votes of two of their members that were cast before they were sworn in.

Democrats pounced on the mistake, saying Republicans violated the Constitution on their first day in the majority by allowing the pair to vote six times before they were sworn in.

The House voted 257-159 to nullify those votes cast by Pete Sessions of Texas, the party campaign chief, and Mike Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. Retracting their votes didn't affect any outcomes. The two were at a reception when others took the oath Wednesday. They were sworn in Thursday.

Democrat Anthony Weiner of New York said it also violated the Republicans' newly approved rule that legislation be made public three days before being put to a vote.

[Associated Press]

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