Burr defends delaying Senate committee meeting

WILMINGTON – While he was in Wilmington today we asked Sen. Richard Burr about some widespread criticism he’s been getting. A week ago the Republican lodged an objection that postponed a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting that included military leaders brought in from around the world.

Burr defended the move saying he was the only Republican on the floor of the Senate at the time and made the objection for colleague’s who were not present, even though he wanted the meeting to happen.

“That protects the member or members who would have objected,” Burr said. “But they don’t know when something is coming on the floor, so it transfers to whoever is there.”

Democrats and many newspapers across the state have criticized Burr saying he was trying to stop the process in Washington after the health care reform bill passed.

Burr says he attended the meeting when it was held Friday morning and apologized personally for delaying the meeting.