Bruce Angers Colleagues Again

State Rep. Douglas Bruce (R-Colorado Springs) found himself in controversy again Wednesday after he was the only legislator who refused to co-sponsor a Joint House-Senate resolution honoring Military and Veterans Appreciation Day, the Associated Press reported.

He was later forced by House colleagues to vote on a second resolution supporting childrens' health care, the AP article stated.

Members of the Army, Navy, and Marines packed the House Chamber to witness the passage of the military resolution, which came after an hour of speeches praising America's men and women in uniform, the Denver Post reported.

But Bruce didn't add hs name to the resolution, telling House members he believed resolutions are a waste of time as they have no legal impact, the AP article stated.

In response, House GOP leaders and five Republican El Paso County representatives sent a letter to the Colorado Springs Gazette denouncing Bruce's actions, the Rocky Mountain News reported.

“We are outraged that in a chamber filled with members of our armed forces, Rep. Douglas Bruce displayed his blatant disregard for the noble sacrifice of the brave men and women who are serving or who have served in the U.S. military,” the letter read, according to the Rocky.

"A bipartisan resolution expressing the sincere appreciation of the members of the legislature for our military and their families should have been met with solemn gratitude and unity of spirit,” the letter continued. "Regrettably, it was met instead with dissent and what appeared to be callous indifference for their sacrifice by only one member who refused to cosponsor the measure.”

''I'm so angry I can't even talk right now,'' said state Rep. David Balmer (R-Centennial), who is a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, according to the Post. "For him to dishonor our women and men in uniform, it's just a disgrace."

Bruce then further angered colleagues by refusing to sign a resolution to provide health care for children, the AP article stated.

The House then voted 53-13 to force Bruce to cast a vote on the health care resolution. Bruce voted "no," then added, "Are you happy?" to House members.

The health care resolution passed 61-3.

Last month, Bruce became the first Colorado legislator in history to be censured by the House after he kicked a Rocky Mountain News photographer on the House floor during an opening prayer.