The annual congressional August recess has arrived — a time when lawmakers typically head back to their districts, trading formal hearings for informal town hall gatherings.
But this year, with Tea Party activists determined to defund Obamacare and halt the immigration bill, the meetings are anything but sleepy.
North Carolina Congressman Robert Pittenger found that out firsthand.
A conservative — who has voted numerous time against Obama’s healthcare reform — found himself heckled and verbally attacked by conservative activists who didn’t like his nuanced message: Pittenger says he won’t vote to defund Obamacare because the votes simply aren’t there to win.
These summer attacks are nothing new. In the summer of 2009, Tea Party activists famously stormed town hall meetings during debates about Obamacare, and effectively stalled the legislation.
This year’s target is expected to be the immigration reform bill.
Guest
- Robert Pittenger, U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 9th congressional district. He tweets @RepPittenger.
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