House Republican leaders rushed to defend Majority Whip Steve Scalise Tuesday after he came under fire for speaking to a white supremacist group more than a decade ago.
Speaker John Boehner said he had full confidence in the embattled lawmaker, a statement that suggests Scalise’s job is safe for now. Boehner, R-Ohio, said Scalise “made an error in judgment” but retained his support.
“He was right to acknowledge it was wrong and inappropriate,” Boehner added in his statement, “Like many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I know Steve to be a man of high integrity and good character. He will continue to do great and important work for all Americans.”
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., also said he supports Scalise, pushing back on critics who have accused the lawmaker of being a racist.
“Congressman Scalise acknowledged he made a mistake and has condemned the views that organization espouses,” McCarthy said in a statement. “I’ve known him as a friend for many years and I know that he does not share the beliefs of that organization.”
In a statement issued Tuesday, Scalise said he regrets speaking to the group.
“Twelve years ago, I spoke to many different Louisiana groups as a state representative, trying to build support for legislation that focused on cutting wasteful state spending, eliminating government corruption, and stopping tax hikes,” he said.
“One of the many groups that I spoke to regarding this critical legislation was a group whose views I wholeheartedly condemn. It was a mistake I regret, and I emphatically oppose the divisive racial and religious views groups like these hold,” he said.
Drew Hammill, spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called Scalise’s actions “deeply troubling” in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
Hammil condemned the entire House GOP agenda, saying, “actions speak louder than whatever Steve Scalise said to that group in 2002.”
Scalise said he was “very disappointed” that his critics would use the situation “for political gain.”
“As a Catholic, these groups hold views that are vehemently opposed to my own personal faith, and I reject that kind of hateful bigotry,” he said. “Those who know me best know I have always been passionate about helping, serving, and fighting for every family that I represent. And I will continue to do so.”
