. >> last week, house chaplain patrick conroy announced glanced to resign at the request of house speaker paul ryan. democratic lawmakers came to the floor to discuss concerns about the dismissal and call for the creation of a select committee to investigate the matter. this is 10 minutes. for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition. >> mr. speaker, pursuant to clause 2-a-1 of rule 9, i rise to give notice of my intent to raise a question of the privileges of the house. the form of the resolution is s follows. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman may proceed. mr. crowley: mr. speaker, i rise to offer the resolution previously noticed. mr. speaker, where father pot trick conroy has served honorably as house chaplain since may 25, 2011, when he was then appointed by speaker john boehner, in consultation with democratic leader nancy pelosi. whereas father conroy had been reappointed and approved by the house of representatives on three separate occasions, most recently january 3, 2017. ereas on april 16, 2018, the nation's first jesuit and only the second catholic ch

>> reporter: just over ten days ago, father pat conroy abruptly resigned.roy said he was forced out by speaker paul ryan. >> loving and gracious god... >> reporter: the 67-year-old catholic priest has been chaplain since 2011, delivering the morning prayer before each session. in november, he said this, during the debate over tax reform: >> may their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all. >> reporter: ryan told fellow republicans this morning, conroy's ouster had nothing to do with a specific prayer, but rather because he had heard complaints conroy was not meeting lawmakers' spiritual needs. >> i was completely shocked. i was unprepared to learn that he had been fired. >> reporter: democrat gerry connolly is just one of at least 150 members in both parties asking ryan for a better explanation. republican peter king: >> to be the first house chaplain removed in the history of congress, in the middle of a term, raises serious questions. and i think we deserve more of an

again, that's coming from some things father conroy said.else are they going to say? but, you know, in the old expression, you know when they say it's not about money, it's about money? when they say it's not political, it's political. >> what do your republican colleagues, mark walker who's part of the group searching for the next chaplain suggested that the replacement they find, this is according to him, they want a replacement that can connect with the bulk of lawmakers and the problems they face with children or a spouse. so suggesting they want to find a chaplain who has children. which would rule out any catholic priest. do you think that's fair? >> it's not only not fair, it's a bigoted statement. it is clearly discriminatory on its face. and no catholic missed that. but you don't have to be catholic to pick up discrimination. and bigotry. now i will give congressman walker his credit. he has spent a good part of this morning on the floor one on one talking to those of us who are involved in this issue, both to apologize and to ackno

the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroifment --conroy. chaplain conroy: let us pray. eternal god, we give you thanks for giving us another day. we pause in your presence to ask guidance for the men and women of the people's house. enable them, o god, to act on what they believe to be right and just and to do so in ways that show respect for those with whom they disagree. n this may they grow to be models and good examples in a time when so many in our world are unable to engage gracefully with those with whom they are at odds. bless us this day and every day and may all that is done within the people's house be for your greater honor and glorry. amen -- glory. amen. the speaker pro tempore: the chair has examined the journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the house his pproval thereof. pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, the journal stands approved. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition. >> madam speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule 1, i demand a vote on agreeing to the speaker's approval of the jo

the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroy. chaplain conroy: let us pray. gracious god, we give you thanks for giving us another day. you have blesseds

the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroy. chaplain conroy: let us pray. loving and gracious god, we give you thanks for giving us another day. bless the members of the people's house. there are many important issues to be considered with multiple interests and priorities dividing the house in its deliberations. today, we ask your blessing upon so many americans in many parts of our country who are suffering due to severe weather. may their needs be met expeditiously and may those first responders and others who have come to their assistance be blessed in their efforts and know of the prayers in support of a grateful nation. may all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory amen. the speaker pro tempore: the chair has examined the journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the house his approval thereof pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, the journal the pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentleman from south carolina, mr. wilson. mr. wilson: everyone in the galer please join in. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united st

and so such cause has been provided to father conroy or our side of the aisle. think that is an explanation to try to justify this unpress den -- unprecedented act in the middle of the year firing the house chaplain. just unheard of. >> the father telling "the new york times" his departure was voluntary, you have spoken with father conroy. >> i did. when i heard the rumor last week i went -- i sought out the father in the floor of the house as soon as we came back in session this week and he confirmed the details of what happened. he was given no explanation, no cause. and neither was the leader pelosi had wh she was informed by paul ryan. so that is why we're quite suspicious of these after-the-fact explanations. we think frankly it is probably more political and that could even be a little bit of religious bias thrown in. >> speaker ryan is a catholic as well. >> i think that is immaterial and that doesn't mean he can't be the handmaden of an action of those who don't like having an urban catholic jessuity chaplain and the sort of point of view and experience

whereas this prayer is reported to be the chief reason for father conroy's forced resignation by the republican congress. whereas dismissal of father conroy following this prayer shows republicans true refusal to embody the values of faith and charity in legislative work. where was father conroy's forced resignation is concerning to a number of members on both sides of the aisle. whereas the house of representatives would benefit from being guided by a chaplain with a commitment to caring about those most in need. whereas the rights of members of the house of representatives will undermine -- were undermined when the leader of one party made a unilateral decision to dismiss the chaplain. whereas this forced resignation has compromised the dignity of the house of representatives by politicizing the office of the house chaplain. whereas the circumstances behind his resignation compromised the integrity and indignity of the house of representatives. resolved that there is hereby established a select committee to investigate the actions and motivations behind the resignation of the house

conroy. ryan's office won't say on the record why conroy was effectively fired.haplain pointed to a prayer he gave on the house floor during the debate over the gop tax cuts. >> as legislation on taxes continues to be debated this week and next, may all members be mindful that the institutions and structures of our great nation guarantee the opportunities that have allowed some to achieve great success, while others continue to struggle. may their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all americans. >> conroy told "the new york times" after that prayer, a paul ryan staffer came down and said, we are upset with this prayer, you are getting too political. and that ryan himself then told him, padre, you just got to stay out of politics. joining me now, charlie pierce, writer at large at esquire and kristi mcgrier. charlie, already shaking your head. why? >> well, i just don't think there's anything more paul ryan can screw up in this job. firing the chaplain? i -- i -- this is unpre

complaints that father conroy wasn't doing enough pastoral care. some republicans are furious.a letter to ryan absolutely furious. >> at this point, do you have real understanding of why father conroy was fired? >> no. frankly speaker ryan has given no reason at all. apparently in his caucus this morning he indicated vaguely there were some members in his caucus that felt they had not been properly responded to. and others spoke up saying it is too vague. certainly on the democrat side we don't accept that. >> the chaplain thinks of part it was a prayer. let me read this to you. may all members be mindful that the institutions and structure -- allowed to achieve great success while others continue to struggle. may their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers new under tax laws. >> that is classic standard spiritu spiritual guidance. and consistent with catholic social justice i might add. it is almost laughable except it is not. i mean, with that kind of logic, i am surprised paul ryan didn't attempt to fire pop frances -- pope france ses wh pope fra

at the end of the day, only paul ryan can know for sure why he decided to fire father conroy. but there's certainly plenty of fodder for folks who believe this was much more a question about faith than it was a question about pastoral treatment. >> and the conversation will go on, i'm sure, for quite some time for many. betsy and aneesh, i wish our conversation could go on. >>> kanye and the president. ginr is not a marathon it's a series of smart choices. like using glucerna to replace one meal or snack a day. glucerna products have up to 15 grams of protein to help manage hunger and carbsteady, unique blends of slow release carbs to help minimize blood sugar spikes. every meal every craving. it's the choices you make when managing blood sugar that are the real victories. glucerna. everyday progress. fthere's flonase sensimist.tchy and watery near pollen. it relieves all your worst symptoms including nasal congestion, which most pills don't. and all from a gentle mist you can barely feel. flonase sensimist. we use our phones the same way these days. so why do we pay to have a

this morning about the conroy situation?just said there was dissatisfaction among members with father conroy and that was it. i said we need more of an explanation. i'm not aware of any discontent on any criticism and to be the first house chaplain removed in the history of congress in the middle of a term raises serious questions and i think we deserve more of aen a explanation why was there political pressure. >> what do you make of this dismissal? >> one of the things is even if that's not the reason the fact that the staffer and ryan would say, padre, you have to stop being more political, and even those persons, republicans or others who have signed on if you still voted for that unjust tax bill, that's the real problem here. we are seeing a kind of theological malpractice and a form of christian nationalism that it really doesn't line up with scripture, doesn't line up thee logically. people put their hands on bibles and swear allegiance to it and the constitution and pass policies that are different. think about it, t

conroy. >> halt. halt. present. >> ♪ o say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hailed t the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight o'er the rampants we watched were so gallantly streaming and the rockets' red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there o say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ♪ chaplain conroy: let us pray. god of heaven and earth, the work of your hands is made known in your bountiful creation and in the lives of those who faithfully live in your grace. today, we especially remember the life and work of louise slaughter, daughter of kentucky but fierce representative of the 25th district of new york or more than 30 years. her impact on the public wheel beyond her own district far exceeded any projection of egostrength. may we all be inspired by her example to be men and women impelled to improve the lives and prospect

there was a perception that father conroy was closer to democrats and his politics were democratic.f that prayer i would be surprised if more than two or three lawmakers knew that prayer happened. very few people listened to the prayer. the chaplain is not an integral part of congress. something somebody who exists, people seek him out if they want to talk to him. some people don't, it's just a very bizarre episoetd that highlights a certain element of this republican leadership which is they continue to step on it in some instances and a lot of unforced errors. i don't know if this has a political impact. democrats will try and put this front and center. i'm not sure why the firing of a chaplain is going to be the political winner for democrats. >> to so the theories we have is he was too liberal, too pro muslim and wasn't married enough because he's a catholic priest. any other theories that might come up in the next few weeks? >> i don't think so. listen i think they wanted to replace the guy. i don't think he was particularly popular among republicans who control congress and th

. >> last week, house chaplain patrick conroy announced glanced to resign at the request of house speakeraul ryan. democratic lawmakers came to the floor to discuss concerns about the dismissal and call for the creation of a select committee to investigate the matter. this is 10 minutes. for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition. >> mr. speaker, pursuant to clause 2-a-1 of rule 9, i rise to give notice of my intent to raise a question of the privileges of the house. the form of the resolution is as follows.

reverend patrick conroy resigned earlier this month.tter sent to paul ryan that was sent earlier this week, as you have requested i here by offer the resignation of the 16th chaplain. now many democrat house members want to know why reverend conroy was asked to resign. the house speaker said he never asked the chaplain to retire. >>> bill cosby remains free after a pennsylvania jury found him guilty yesterday of sexual assault on a retrial of felony charges. cosby was agreed of drugging and sexually assaulting andrea constand back if 2004. his attorney argued that the sexual contact was consensual and described her as a liar. >> what was revealed through this investigation is a man who has spent decade preying on women who had drugged and sexually assaulted and a man who had evaded this moment here today for far too long. >>> the 80-year-old cosby now faces up to 30 years in prison. >>> our time is 5:38. former network tv anchor tom brokaw denies reports that he sexually harassed two women he worked for in the 1990s. one of those women

conroy told the new york times, that shortly after ryan warned him to quotemac stay out of politics.r may have fired him for political reasons because he didn't like the words. >> even some republicans are upset, i'm not aware of any discontent or criticism, the first house chaplain to be removed in the history of congress in the middle of the term, raises serious questions. we deserve more of a nation and why. was there political pressure? joe crowley introduced a bill calling for a new bipartisan committee to investigate why ryan did this. >> the lack of notification of his forced resignation are adequate explanation by speaker ryan is reflective of the integrity of the house of representatives. >> no surprise the bill was rejected. rev. conroy is a catholic priest to serve as house chaplain for 7 years, counsel lawmakers and open each day with a prayer, something he did today, a little awkward. his last days a month away. it would be the first force out of a chaplain in the history of the house, a big deal. >> there will be statement a little more forthcoming and explanation from

father pat conroy has been the chaplain for a number of years. he was the second catholic chaplain the first one. >> in the house of representatives. >> right, house of representatives. he gave a prayer before the tax vote and some thought it was a partisan content. he was moved by paul ryan because of the prayer. this is what they said today they stormed the forward demanding not only an investigation, but watch. >> the dismissal of father conroy shows the republicans to republican street to in value bait and charity in the legislative work. the result that there is here b established a select committee to investigate the actions and motivations behind the resignation of the house chaplain. >> they basically want a specia consul against paul ryan. nancy pelosi says it's unjust, spoke to a number of members today. >> freeman was on the phone wit four members of congress one democrat, three republicans. >> some of them complained to paul ryan himself. one told me father was a little more partisan than pastor. others said they went to him fo counse

father conroy was something who interacted with everybody. he was always there to listen to folks. he would move around the house floor and talk to republicans and democrats and was well liked by everybody. i didn't sense that anybody had a real gree vooievance with him because he said something in a prayer or anything like that. it took me by surprised. >> are you satisfied with the speaker's explanation? should there be an investigation? >> yeah it should be investigated. looks like the speaker may have fired him for political reasons because he didn't like the words in prayer or two. >> this was the prayer back in october about tax reform. they deny that. >> i think any religious leader will lay out certain principles and values. that's going to come through in prayers. i didn't think what he said was necessarily meant to be an afront to republican policies or politics. >> thank you very much. we appreciate it. >>> just ahead, has a russian lawyer been lying about her kremlin ties in her meeting with donald trump junior. we'll talk more about that revelation and what's next for

♪ chaplain conroy: let us pray. of heaven and earth, the work of your hands is made known in your bountiful creation and in the lives of those who faithfully live in your grace. today, we especially remember the life and work of louise slaughter, daughter of kentucky, but fierce representative of the 25th district of new york for more than 30 years. her impact on the public beyond the public weal, beyond her own district far exceeded any projection of ego strength. may we all be inspired by her example to be men and women impeled to improve the lives and prospects of our fellow citizens, while eschewing any honor or glory for ourselves as she did. do our part to increase understanding and respect across the many divides that characterize our national dna. be present with us this day, o god, as we mark her life and remember her legacy. bless this gathering and comfort us as we comfort one another in remembering a great american and a genuinely good woman. amen. mr. tonko: good afternoon. i'm paul tonko and represent

de la cÁmara de representantes confrontaron el presidente del Órgano legislativo porque despidiÓ a conroyencuentro entre corea del norte y corea del sur tuvo un final que el mundo recibe con agrado. nuestros lÍderes declararon que no habrÁ más guerra entre sus paÍses despuÉs de aÑos de conflicto. ç reportera: fue un encuentro histÓrico lleno de simbolismo. primero apareciÓ en escena el lÍder norcoreano, kim jong-un, quien descendiÓ de las escaleras de una edificaciÓn de corea del norte y camino hacia la lÍnea fronteriza que ha separado a las dos coreas por dÉcadas en un conflicto que ha costado la vida de millones. al otro lado de la lÍnea divisoria lo esperaba el lÍder norcoreano. acto seguido, kim jong-un plantÓ sus dos pies en el territorio. se dieron fuerte apretÓn de manos. kim jong-un lo invitÓ a que cruzara a su territorio. se reunieron en la llamada casa de la paz en la zona es militarizada y firmaron el acuerdo en el que comprometen alcanzar una paz duradera y el lÍder surco ya no ofreciÓ un paquete, al que se unieron las dos primeras damas. sembraron un Árbol al lado de una pied

. >>> and many want to know why speaker paul ryan asked reverend conroy to step down. the former speaker of the house says he never requested for the chaplain to retire. >>> we have a story of kindness and generosity and it involves an oakland police officer who found a way to help a family of eight. he heard they needed a car and responded. what happened next brought the officer to tears. >> reporter: a home has forever changed the lives of the oakland family and the police officer. >> the mother took the initiative to pull me over while i was doing something else. can you just spend a few minutes. >> before ira i tell you there were a lot of things they saw negative about police officers. >> reporter: that was nearly a year ago. since then officer ira anderson has adopted the family. including taking them to the beach. but in august they had a set back. >> things have been tough for us because we had to move out of where we lived because of the high rents. >> reporter: the family moved into this camper, a few months later yet another hardship. >> we've been without a

father conroy believes it's because of a specific prayer back in november when he prayed for lawmakers to keep in mind economic inequities and disparities when it came to tax reform. now, speaker ryan is claiming the termination was due to complaints about pastoral care but is this potentially damaging to the republican party? we don't see things like there this happen. >> no, and i think when you look at him, he's a jesuit priest and you'll recall the pope was actually a jesuit and speaker ryan is catholic in the middle of this. i think what it does, it probably doesn't change the dynamics for the elections with catholic voters, but what it does is it underlines a level of hypocrisy i think that has grown among republican leaders on faith and family. they have a tendency to quote the bible in religion as regards social issues and ignore much of the bible as regards poverty and the most vulnerable in our society, and i think this underlines that schism that their ability to talk about faith in a way that seems clear and independent is no longer i think possible. i think that's the vuln

your op-ed you wrote why this hit home given your friendship with father conroy.at do you think this was all about really? >> so let me first say that i am grievously disappointed about the decision for three reasons, the first of which you alluded to. father pat is probably one of my best friends in the other washington. and my friend was treated very, very poorly, and frankly i am mad as hell about it. secondly, there was incredible abuse of process. the chaplain is chaplain of the u.s. house, not the speaker's chaplain. the speaker recommends but the house affirms. the house wasn't asked about it. moreover, father pat wasn't provided opportunity to discuss what concerns, if any, that he would have brought forward. the speaker didn't offer explanation. thirdly, perhaps most importantly, for god's sakes, literally and figuratively, if we can't leave out of our political food fight the people who tend to the spiritual needs of the house as an institution and its members, what have we become? >> yeah, i guess i'll say an amen at the end of that. congressman denny h

house speaker paul ryan ousted reverend patrick conroy two weeks ago.ed last year that conroy got too pl political while praying on the tax floor during a tax cut debate. in his prayer, conroy said the nation's institutions allowed some to create great success while others continued to struggle. an aide said no specific prayer led to the decision. >> i've seen that house chaplain many years ago. he actually married jeff and i in the catholic church. >> the next paper is read by gayle. >> okay, it does say gayle. >> go ahead. >> all right, i'm fine. the milwaukee journal sentinel says an oil refinery explosion injured 20 people. an evacuation order was lifted for the area. authorities say a tank of crude oil or asphalt exploded yesterday starting the fire. a three-mile area around the refinery and a ten-mile corridor where the smoke was heading were evacuated. >>> the bangor maine daily news says police have posted a big reward in the hunt for the suspected killer of a sheriff's deputy. they're offering $20,000 for anyone who provides information leading

house resentatives today over the ouster of reverend patrick conroy as house chaplain.irlier this month, speaker paul ryan asked him to , and ryan told fellow republicans meat the catholic priest was not meetiners' needs. that set off arguments between the two parties. >> there were some questions about responsiveness, and it just seemed like it was time for a change. that's something i think is appropriate, within the speaker's power to make. >> pat's a good friend, someone whom i've had great conversations with on the floor of the house. i've seen him have those me relationships and those conversations with both sides of the aisle, men and women on th sides. he's a beloved person on the house floor. >> woodruff: democrats said conroy's prayer before the vot on the republican tax bill was he real reason for his firing. in iappealed for fairness for all. ryan's office today said there was no one prayer that led to the decision, and he believes it is in the best interest of the house. another member of the house of representatives has resigned over sexual harassment alle

this week paul ryan dismissed patrick conroy.dn't know why he was asked to resign. but he did recall a time in november when they clashed after he gave this prayer in the house. >> as legislation on taxes continues to be debated this week and next, may all members be mindful that the institutions and struck or thes of our great nation gave some the opportunities to achieve great success while others continue to struggles. may their efforts guarantee there are no winners and losers under new tax laws but benefits balanced and shared by all americans. >> according to conroy some members expressed concern with the prayer. on friday ryan told the republican conference that he was not asked to resign for political reasons but rather members felt their pastoral needs were not being met. this seems like paul ryan has had his cat olschism as a central part of his identity. this has sparked an intense debate and concern among catholic members. >> first everyone is clear that prayer was not the reason he was fired, everyone agrees on that.

. >> last week, house chaplain patrick conroy announced his intention to resign at the request of house speaker paul ryan. now some lawmakers want to know

week, house chaplain patrick conroy announced plans to resign at the request of house speaker paul ryan. friday, democratic lawmakers came to the house floor to voice their concerns about the dismissal and called for the creation of a select committee to investe

and what he revealed was really that from the moment that marie called conroy and other journalists,mon, as they were arriving in lebanon, there were intelligence sources tracking and reporting their movements to the head of the intelligence directorate. all of that was being channelled to the military and security officials that were overseeing the armed operations in homs, with specific instructions that the intelligence forces were to track them down and capture them if possible, or otherwise kill them. >> i suppose it's really lucky that the syrian regime, like so many in that part of the world, are so bureaucratic, and you have so much paperwork. >> exactly. in many ways, this is one of the first cases to actually proceed to a trial phase, where the evidence will be considered by a judge. but it's by no means the last. i mean, there really is a mountain of documentary evidence, in addition to all of the witnesses, of various atrocity crimes committed in syria. our hope is that this case, marie's case, will provide a brupt blueprint as to how that evidence can be used to establis

patrick conroy will step down. some democrats believe it's because of a prayer he gave during last fall's tax debate, urging that everyone gets a fair shot. a spokesman for speaker ryan says that's not the reason why. >>> there's still much more ahead on "world news tonight." the controversial police takedown. the former nfl athlete speaking out after a violent parking lot confrontation. and what police are now saying. >>> the consumer warning tonight. the type of lettuce they want everyone to throw out. >>> and the avengers are right here tonight. you'll hear from them, coming up. >>> and the avengers are right here tonight. you'll hear from them, coming up. around the clock. and with a $0 copay if you are new to toujeo, that's something to groove about. ♪ let's groove tonight. ♪ share the spice of life. from the makers of lantus, ♪ baby slice it right. toujeo provides blood sugar- lowering activity all day, all night, and beyond, proven blood sugar control all day and all night, and can significantly lower your a

the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroy. chaplain conroy: let us pray. god of the universe, we give you thanks for giving us another day. as the members of this people's house deliberate these days, give them the wisdom and magnimity to lay aside what might divide us as a people to our a secure future for country. we pray for all people who have special needs. may your presence be known to those who are sick that they might feel our country. the power of your ealing spirit. inspire the men and women who serve in this house to be their bestselves that they may, in turn, be an inspiration to the nation and to the world. may all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory, amen. the speaker pro tempore: the chair has examined the journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the house his approval thereof. pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, the journal stands approved. for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition. mr. thompson: pursuant to clause 1 rule 1, i demand a vote on agreeing to the speaker's approval. j

conroy served as the chaplain sense 2011 but offered his resignation at ryan's request.ns have not been revealed. a spokesperson said that pelosi disagreed with the decision after ryan consulted her about. consumer spending turned in its weakest performance in 5 years. however, the rate came in better than expected giving hope for a soiled rebound -- solid rebound. mixed day on wall street today. with one tweet, kanye west got the attention he oftenseahawks with president trump setting off a fire storm over politics and race. this bro-mance has some critics breathing fire and others pour cold water over it. >> social media exploded when kanye west tweeted his support. the president declared this very cool and other rap artists weighed in. >> he said it well. because you are black didn't mean you are a democrat. >> then the role reversals. conservatives never liked kanye west after this comment about katrina. >> bush doesn't care about black people. >> kanye west sees black unemployment at the lowest in the history of our country. he is smart. he is you know what trump di

>> reporter: just over ten days ago, father pat conroy abruptly resigned. he says he was forced out by speaker paul ryan. >> loving and gracious god -- >> reporter: the 67-year-old catholic priest has been chaplain since 2011 delivering the morning prayer. he said this over the debate over tax reform. >> may their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws but benefits, balanced and shared by all. >> reporter: ryan told fellow republicans on friday his ouster had nothing to do with a specific prayer but rather because he'd heard complaints conroy was not meeting lawmaker's spiritual needs. >> i was completely shocked. i was unprepared to learn that he had departed. >> reporter: democrat jerry conley is just one of 150 members in both parties asking ryan for a better explanation. republican peter king. >> to be the first house chaplain removed in the history of congress in the middle of a term raises serious questions. and i think we deserve more of an explanation why. >> reporter: for cbs this morning saturday ed o

. >> dismissal of father conroy following this prayer shows republicans true refusal to embody faithnd charity. resolve there is hereby established a committee to investigate the actions and motivations behind the resignation of the house chaplain. >> they want a special council against paul ryan. nancy pelosi says it was unjust. >> one democrat, three democrats, what did you find. out? >> some complained to paul ryan. told me father was a little more partisan than pastor. others went to him for counseling, thought he wasn't as warm or understanding as he should have been. they went to the senate chaplain instead. it was the aaccumulation including pushing for certain bills. that's what led to his dismissal. i have gotten that from high officials. >> this is a tempest in a teapot. >> now they want to find a new chaplain. he wants a man who has a family and children. >> theyy married. >> i don't like that comment. facebook censored free speech of diamond and silk. diamond and silk took capitol hill. do we have a clip? watch this, this is classic. >> you all have been bashing facebook

luke testified -- rather luke has tweeted when i was on the hill father conroy was an invaluable source of clarity and guidance in an often bewildering environment. this is petty and speaks volumes what the institution has become. i pray that's not the case. >> certainly we live in now a hyperpoliticized even more so than before world. that's wra washington is right now. you mentioned the house intelligence committee. the president is, of course, taking a victory lap off that report further politicizing it. not only in a tweet this morning but sitting next to german chancellor angela merkel in the oval office. praised it. no collusion. suggesting the nation would be stronger now that the verdict has come down. very little now in this d.c., in trump's d.c., that doesn't immediately turn to politics. the chaplain is the latest, if perhaps most surprising, variation of that so far. >> and thank you both. more ahead. we'll be right back. once there was an organism so small no one thought much of it at all. people said it just made a mess until exxonmobil scientists put it to the test. they

. >> we should be clear that father conroy was not let go because of the prayer. >> how do you know thatause the speaker has said that publicly and his saf said that publicly. there is no doubt that is not the reason. it would have been smarter to let him serve out his term. issues of pastoral support are among the most personal and private matters of fauth and family that you can imagine. so discussing them publicly is not a good idea. so it's brave of the speaker to take the heat over this issue. >> doesn't it make it harder to have anyone other -- because of congressman walker's comments, which from the evangelical point of view, we're disputing anyone that could be a secelibate prie could be -- >> if the shoe were on the foot here and democrats had fired a chaplain for preaching the gospel and then come out and said that only an evangelical could be the successor, we would have people screaming that the democrats were anti-catholic. let me tell you who would be leading that parade, paul ryan. so he needs to come clean on why he fired the chaplain and do more than just promise us it w

patrick conroy has been the chambers' prayer leader and spirit cual counselor for some years now.sn't know why he's being fired. has he addressed this? >> reporter: he has, john, and he had to really defend himself over that controversial decision to fire the house chaplain. two sources tell me during a closed door meeting with the caucus this morning, paul ryan was directly confronted by two republicans in that meeting asking why it happened, asking for a full explanation of why he decided to force him to resign. paul ryan, according to these sources, explained it was not political as some have suggested this could be. paul ryan said some members had approached him with some concerns about the house chaplain specifically that they felt they weren't getting their needs met in his counsel. at least one republican, though, is not buying it. pete king from new york tells me that's an unsatisfactory answer. he said this is such an unprecedented move, something very serious would have had to prompt it. so clearly many more questions, john, not only from lawmakers but certainly from the

demanding answers from house speaker paul ryan about his sudden decision to fire the house chaplain pat conroy after seven years on the job. i'm back with the panel. and the latest update, he defended his decision to let the chaplain go and told republicans in the caucus meeting that certain house members felt he was not giving proper counsel and peter king called that defense unsatisfactory. take a listen. >> you give no real reasons other than some people felt that service wasn't enough -- i never heard that from anyone and i hope it was not done by political pressure to push him out and [ inaudible ]. >> again, that is a republican congressman peter king. this is causing a lot of trouble for paul ryan. not serious trouble, he's retiring any way. but this is not how you want your legacy to be remembered. >> i think there are people on both sides of the aisle, including and perhaps especially catholic members who felt fondly about the house chaplain and do want the answers. on the other hand i can somewhat understand the rational of the speaker not wanting to drag someone through the mud if t

the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroy. chaplain conroy: let us pray.al god, we thank you for giving us another day. send your spirit upon the members of this people's house, to encourage them in their official tasks. as the members approach the votes they make today, may they have courage and leadership that looks to the health and vibrancy of our great nation. assure them that in the fulfillment of their responsibilities you provide the grace to enable them to be faifu