WASHINGTON — The Democratic-controlled House yesterday voted to admonish Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., for heckling President Obama during his health care address to Congress last week, heightening partisan tensions in the Capitol.

Although the lawmaker apologized to the White House for shouting "You lie," Democrats have insisted that Wilson again say he's sorry — this time from the House floor.

"He made the institution look bad," said Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo. Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Md., added: "You can't substitute a personal apology for a public offense."

But Wilson has refused to apologize again, and the Republican leadership has backed him, noting that the president accepted the congressman's first apology.

Wilson told his colleagues on the House floor yesterday: "I think it is clear to the American people that there are far more important issues facing this nation than what we are addressing right now. ... (The president) graciously accepted my apology, and the issue is over."

But a number of Democratic lawmakers contended that Wilson's outburst had been a breach of decorum and that he had brought "discredit to the House" when he accused Obama of lying when the president asserted that his health care overhaul would not benefit illegal immigrants.

The 240-179 vote for a resolution of House disapproval of Wilson's act was cast largely along party lines. Hawai'i Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono, both Democrats, voted for the resolution.