GOP’s Terry apologies again—and this gaffe’s on camera

Joe Jordan | Nebraska Watchdog

For the second time in six months GOP Congressman Lee Terry is apologizing: this time for what he said before TV cameras (see video below) and a national audience.

During Tuesday’s combative General Motors recall hearing on Capitol Hill—a faulty ignition switch is linked to 13 deaths and dozens of crashes resulting in 2.6 million cars being recalled—Terry showed up late and in front of photos of victims which were displayed along a wall, said this:

“I’m sorry for being late, but my plane was canceled for mechanical reasons. Probably an ignition switch.”

Contacted by Nebraska Watchdog about the remark Terry issued the following statement:

“No excuses, I said something I shouldn’t have and I apologize. I had no intention of being insensitive but made an off-handed comment that detracted away from the very important substance of today’s hearing on the GM recall. I think everyone can understand what it’s like to say something and not be able to take it back. It just goes to show that no matter what point you’re at in life, we are all human and are all capable of making mistakes.” -Lee Terry

Before he apologized Terry’s office released a YouTube video of his comments. But that video has since been taken down. However, other videos have already surfaced.

The Democrat looking to take Terry on in November has jumped on Terry’s latest foot-in-mouth mistake.

“Nebraskan’s expect their leaders to conduct themselves with integrity,” said State Senator Brad Ashford. “This remark was in the poorest taste and unbecoming of a member of Congress.”

At the hearing GM’s CEO Mary Barra, who has apologized for the defect, was grilled by lawmakers who demanded to know why the auto-giant which first learned of the shortcoming in 2001 waited until this year to make any changes.

“We will learn from this and we will make changes and we will hold people accountable,” said Barra.

As for Terry he’s no stranger to apologies.

Last fall when asked by the Omaha World-Herald if he would continue collecting his paychecks during the government shutdown Terry said, “Dang straight.”

“I’ve got a nice house and a kid in college, and I’ll tell you we cannot handle it,” elaborated Terry. “Giving our paycheck away when you still worked and earned it? That’s just not going to fly.”

A few days later Terry said he was “ashamed” of his “hurtful remarks.”

By the way before taking on Ashford in the fall, Terry will have to knock-off fellow Republican Dan Frei in the May 13 primary.

Contact Joe Jordan at joe@nebraskawatchdog.org and listen to Joe every Monday morning at 7:40 on KFAB radio in Omaha.

To subscribe to news updates from Nebraska Watchdog at no charge, click here