Maxine Waters: “the gentleman just stated a rule that is unclear. The gentleman was questioned by the gentlewoman from Florida about the…”

“the gentleman just stated a rule that is unclear. The gentleman was questioned by the gentlewoman from Florida about the rule. The gentlewoman basically said, are you saying we cannot refer to the President of the United States or to the Vice President of the United States? I would like clarification on the rule that you attempted to describe. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Parliamentarian informs me that the rule of the House does not restrict reference to policies of the administration, including criticism or critique, but prohibits personally offensive references, including accusation or innuendo of malfeasance. Ms. McKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry. I do not want to take away the time of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee). The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will state her inquiry. Ms. McKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to know if indeed it is a fact that the Vice President of the United States receives a salary in the form of deferred compensation from Halliburton which, in turn, received a no-bid contract to do the cleanup work for Katrina, are we prevented from saying that on the floor of the House? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has not stated a parliamentary inquiry. Ms. McKINNEY. I thank the Speaker. That means we can speak about these kinds of things. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members should refrain from personally offensive remarks related to pecuniary gain of the President or Vice President.…”