Take down the words

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In the U.S. House of Representatives, to 'take down the words' is a parliamentary procedure in which unparliamentary (uncivil or inflammatory) remarks may be stricken from the Congressional Record. It is not uncommon for the offending congressman to apologize to the offended member, and the apology accepted to continue with the day's business. However, if it is motioned for the words to be taken down, and the chair accepts, the offending member is barred from floor debate for the rest of the legislative day (barring a vote on restoring the member's privileges).