Politics | Billy Long Congressman Apologizes for Winehouse Tweet Missouri's Billy Long drew connection to debt ceiling debate By John Johnson Posted Jul 26, 2011 1:22 PM CDT Copied In this2010 file photo, then-Rep.-elect Billy Long, R-Mo., talks with the media on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) Ah, the Amy Winehouse-debt ceiling connection. Don't see it? Missouri GOP Congressman Billy Long thought it was obvious: ""No one could reach #AmyWinehouse before it was too late. Can anyone reach Washington before it's too late? Both addicted - same fate???" he tweeted. Now he's apologizing after taking flak that the comment was inappropriate, reports the News-Leader of Springfield. "Although I do believe spending 42 percent more than we take in is an addiction, I certainly meant no disrespect to Amy, her family or her fans," he texted to the newspaper. "She was one of the few true artists to come along in a long time. What happened to her was a senseless tragedy and drawing an analogy wasn't meant to minimize the loss of life. If anyone took offense, I sincerely apologize." (Microsoft UK also apologized for a Winehouse tweet, this one pushing her records.) Read These Next Actor Sam Rockwell gets residuals from movie he wasn't in. Gavin Newsom has filed a massive lawsuit against Fox News. New York Times ranks the best movies of the 21st century. Rick Hurst, Dukes of Hazzards' dopey deputy, dies at 79 Report an error