Iowa House hears prayer, then apology

There was an unusual start to work in the Iowa House this morning. As is the custom, the Iowa House began its day with a prayer. Today, it was the Prayer of St. Francis sung by Reverend Lola Rosenberg of Calumet.Then, Representative Mike Jager apologized for swearing loudly on the House floor on Wednesday. Jager began by noting the partisan squabbling that’s the hallmark of debate in the House. He says the debate had been bitter and emotional in the past few days. He says the legislature should be challenged to keep the debate on a passionate, yet intellectual plane.Jager, a republican from La Porte City, was angered yesterday by remarks made by a female colleague. As Jager walked off the House floor, he uttered an obscene phrase within earshot of elementary students, high schoolers and several secretaries.