WA House leader Joe Fitzgibbon apologizes for drinking before hearing

A Democratic lawmaker from Washington state has apologized after admitting he showed up to a committee hearing after drinking alcohol following his somewhat garbled remarks during the proceedings.

Democratic Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, the House Majority Leader, said it was a “serious mistake for many reasons” when he appeared at a meeting of the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday where he discussed the operating budget.

“I made a poor choice last night by drinking alcohol before we finished our work for the day,” Fitzgibbon said in a statement to the “Jason Rantz Show,” which was the first to report on the ordeal. “I am disappointed in myself and I take responsibility for this poor choice. This will not happen again and I am committed to completing my work this session without alcohol.”

The Democratic majority leader in the Washington House of Representatives, Joe Fitzgibbon, apologized after saying he drank alcohol before a committee meeting this week. (TVW)

During the hearing, Fitzgibbon spoke about the budget and at times appeared to have difficulty speaking.

“I’m grateful to all the members of this committee and all the members of the House for presenting their ideas and for putting forward that…that…the operating budget that we presented doesn’t forget that the people that we work to represent, the people that we work to uplift and support…don’t always have a say in this process,” Fitzgibbon said, Fox Seattle reported.

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Evening at the Washington State Capitol with cherry blossoms. (Dan Mihai/Getty Images)

In a statement to the outlet, he said being impaired “was detrimental to my job and my colleagues,” as well as embarrassing.

Fox News Digital reached out to Fitzgibbon and the Washington State Republican Party.

State House Speaker Laurie Kinkins, also a Democrat, said that although Fitzgibbon did not meet the standards of behavior associated with his appearance at the hearing, he “acknowledged that his behavior was unacceptable and apologized.”

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

It is unclear whether Fitzgibbon will face disciplinary action.

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