Democratic Lawmaker Apologizes for Showing Up Drunk to Committee Meeting

A Democratic Washington state lawmaker has apologized after admitting he showed up to a committee hearing after drinking alcohol and making somewhat slurred remarks during the proceeding.

Democratic state Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, the state House majority leader, said it was a “serious mistake for many reasons” when he appeared at a House Appropriations Committee meeting where he discussed the operating budget. 

“I made a poor choice last night by drinking alcohol before we had finished our work for the day,” Fitzgibbon explained in a statement to “The Jason Rantz Show,” which first reported on the ordeal.

“I am disappointed in myself and take responsibility for that poor choice. It won’t happen again, and I’m committed to completing my work this session without alcohol.”

During the hearing, Fitzgibbon spoke about the budget and appeared to slur his words several times, Fox News Seattle reported. 

“I am grateful to all the members of this committee and all the members of the house for putting forward their ideas and putting forward that … that … the … the operating budget that we put forward does not forget that the people we are working to represent, the people we are working to lift up and support … don’t always have a voice in this process,” Fitzgibbon said, 

In a statement to the news outlet, he said being impaired “was harmful to my work and to my co-workers” and embarrassing. 

State House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, also a Democrat, said while Fitzgibbon failed to meet behavioral standards associated with his appearance at the hearing, he has “acknowledged that behavior is unacceptable and has apologized.”

She said House Democratic leaders stand with Fitzgibbon as he takes steps to ensure his well-being. 

It is unclear whether Fitzgibbon will face any disciplinary action.