Bruce Removed From State Veterans, Military Affairs Committee

DENVER -- House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, removed Rep. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, from the powerful and influential House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee on Friday, saying he no longer has confidence in the maverick lawmaker after Bruce refused to co-sponsor a resolution honoring military veterans.

"I no longer believe it is in the best interest of the House nor for the active-duty or retired military personnel of Colorado to have Representative Bruce continue to serve on the committee of reference for veterans and military affairs," May said.

The committee change will take effect immediately. A replacement will be named next week.

Bruce angered fellow lawmakers on Wednesday when he refused to support a resolution backing veterans and balked at voting on a resolution to provide health care for children. Bruce, a Colorado Springs Republican, told his colleagues in the House he believes resolutions are a waste of time because they have no legal impact.

"To the veterans everywhere, I commend what they do, but this is political posturing," Bruce said. "That is not what I was sent here to do."

He refused to sign on as a co-sponsor of the veterans resolution and then refused to vote on the health-care resolution. The House then voted 51-13 to force him to vote on the health-care resolution.

He responded by voting against the resolution and shouting "Are you happy?" to his colleagues.

Including Bruce's "no" vote, the health-care resolution passed 61-3.

Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, said he got upset when Bruce refused to support the resolution backing veterans after members of the military packed the House chambers for the annual Military and Veterans Appreciation Day at the Capitol.

"I'm so angry I can't even talk right now," Balmer said.

Bruce said he has supported veterans in the past.

"I yield to no one in my respect to members of the military," he said. "I also think it was wrong to use 100 members of the military as props for their political theater in this building. Instead of wrapping themselves in the flag, they're wrapping themselves with the military."

Bruce has angered his colleagues, including fellow Republicans, since being appointed to fill a vacant seat last month.

Last month, Bruce became the first lawmaker in Colorado history to be censured by the House when he kicked a Rocky Mountain News photographer for taking his picture during a morning prayer. Bruce refused to apologize.