Washington House Majority Leader Apologizes for Being ‘Impaired’ During Budget Hearing

In a candid acknowledgment of misconduct, Washington state House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon has issued a public apology after admitting he participated in a committee hearing while under the influence of alcohol.

The Democratic lawmaker confirmed he had been drinking before Wednesday’s House Appropriations Committee meeting, where he discussed the state’s operating budget with noticeably slurred speech.

“I made a poor choice last night by drinking alcohol before we had finished our work for the day,” Fitzgibbon said in a statement. “I am disappointed in myself and take responsibility for that poor choice. It won’t happen again, and I’m committed to completing my work this session without alcohol.”

During the hearing, Fitzgibbon’s impairment was apparent as he struggled to articulate his thoughts clearly. Video recordings of the session show him stumbling through his remarks about budget priorities.

“I am grateful to all the members of this committee and all the members of the house for putting forward their ideas,” Fitzgibbon said haltingly during the meeting. “The operating budget that we put forward does not forget that the people we are working to represent, the people we are working to lift up and support… don’t always have a voice in this process.”

In his subsequent apology, Fitzgibbon acknowledged that his impaired state was “harmful to my work and to my co-workers” and described the incident as embarrassing.

Washington House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, also a Democrat, addressed the situation by acknowledging that Fitzgibbon failed to meet the behavioral standards expected during official proceedings. However, she expressed support for her colleague, noting that “he has acknowledged that behavior is unacceptable and has apologized.”

Jinkins added that House Democratic leadership stands with Fitzgibbon as he “takes steps to ensure his well-being,” though she did not specify what those steps might entail.

The incident raises questions about accountability among elected officials in Washington state. While Fitzgibbon has taken responsibility for his actions, it remains unclear whether he will face any formal disciplinary measures from legislative leadership or his caucus.

This event occurs at a critical time in the legislative session when lawmakers are focused on finalizing budget negotiations. The House Appropriations Committee plays a central role in shaping fiscal policy for the state, making the lapse in judgment particularly noteworthy.

The controversy comes amid an increasingly polarized political environment in Washington state, where Democrats hold majorities in both legislative chambers and the governor’s office. Republican lawmakers have not yet issued formal statements regarding the incident.

Public officials appearing impaired during official proceedings has been an occasional but serious problem across various levels of government. Such incidents typically raise concerns about judgment, professional conduct, and the ability to effectively represent constituents.

Fitzgibbon has served in the Washington state legislature since 2011 and has risen to a position of significant influence as House Majority Leader, making his public misstep all the more consequential for both his personal reputation and his caucus’s public image.

As the Washington legislative session continues, observers will be watching to see if this incident affects Fitzgibbon’s leadership role or his effectiveness in advancing his party’s legislative agenda during the remainder of the session.