"I understand that there is substantial angst among the minority. I empathize; I've been there," Hoyer said.

"I do not empathize with the abuse of process," he said to a chorus of boos from the opposition.

House Republicans changed votes, asked for recorded votes and moved to adjourn to protest the Democrats' handling of an Iraq War funding bill and several housing bills. The GOP says it was shut out from offering amendments and barred from recommitting votes.

"The minority of the House has a right to be heard," said Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio. "At some point the majority has an obligation to treat the minority with respect. That's why we're going to continue to wage this fight."

Hoyer reiterated his empathy for the minority's wanting to be heard, but he said "simply changing votes" to delay or stop action is a "dilatory tactic" not permitted by House rules.

"My inclination," he said, "is to ask presiding officer to limit the votes to the 15 minutes divided (between the two sides) and two (additional) minutes historically afforded."