Washington, Sep 10 : South Carolina Republican Joe Wilson has apologized for heckling and calling President Barack Obama ‘a liar’.

“This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the President’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the Health Care Bill. While I disagree with the President’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the President for this lack of civility,” Politico quoted Wilson, as saying.

The comment from Wilson could be heard throughout the House chamber in response to Obama’s remark that his health insurance plan would not extend benefits to illegal immigrants.

“I’ve never seen anything like that before. We do not invite the president of the United States into the House of Representatives and hurl insults,” said Republican Earl Pomeroy.

According to Wilson’s office, he called the White House after the speech to apologise to Obama, speaking with Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

The 62-year-old Wilson, who was elected to the House in 2001, previously found himself in the spotlight for attacking 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kerry over his 1971 testimony criticizing the Vietnam War. (ANI)