NH Lawmaker Says 'Sieg Heil,' Removed from Chamber

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire lawmaker has apologized for shouting the Nazi salute "Sieg Heil!" during debate on a voter identification bill.

Speaker William O'Brien ordered Manchester Republican Steve Vaillancourt removed from the House chambers Tuesday.

Vaillancourt made the comment after O'Brien stopped debate on the bill.

A debate then ensued over whether Vaillancourt should be allowed back. Several lawmakers called his remarks inflammatory.

The House voted to allow him back into the chamber once he apologized. But when Vaillancourt spoke, he insisted he did not say anything about Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. His apology wasn't accepted.

O'Brien appointed a committee to talk to Vaillancourt over the form of the apology. After two more tries, the apology was accepted.

"Sieg Heil," which means "Hail Victory," was a common chant at Hitler's rallies.