
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During the hearing, Fitzgibbon spoke about the budget and appeared to slur his words several times, ;Fox News Seattle ;reported. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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, ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a statement to the news outlet, he said being impaired “was harmful to my work and to my co-workers” and embarrassing. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She said ;House Democratic ;leaders stand with Fitzgibbon as he takes steps to ensure his well-being. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is unclear whether Fitzgibbon will face any disciplinary action.</p>

Democratic Lawmaker Apologizes for Showing Up Drunk to Committee Meeting
