Palazzo presides over U.S. House
WASHINGTON — For a few hours Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Biloxi, was transformed into “Mr. Speaker” as he presided over the U.S. House chamber — the very chamber where President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress last week.
“That was so much fun,” said Palazzo in an interview. “It was just an enjoyable experience.”
Palazzo had asked to have the opportunity to be the presiding officer — known as the speaker pro tempore, which in Latin means “for the time being” — since January’s swearing-in. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., he finally got his chance, overseeing the House during the relatively tame “special orders” during which members can give long speeches about a variety of subjects.
Sun Herald
9/14/11
Magnolia Tribune
