Speaker of the House John Boehner called for an apology from Alaska Rep. Don Young, a member of his Republican caucus, who drew fire on Thursday for using the term “wetbacks,” a pejorative term for Mexican farm workers.
“Congressman Young’s remarks were offensive and beneath the dignity of the office he holds,” Boehner said in a statement. “I don’t care why he said it — there’s no excuse and it warrants an immediate apology.”
Young has drawn fire for the remarks from several members of Congress, including Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Democrat Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, as Politico reported.