Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., can’t even take a compliment without bashing conservatives — and her statement Thursday to a retiring Republican colleague has the controversial liberal lawmaker back in the headlines.

During a meeting on border control by the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Sean Duffy, R-W.I., took a few moments at the end of his remarks to thank his colleagues during his last session.

Specifically, he addressed Waters and thanked her for showing respect during his time in Congress… even if it was always off-camera.

Critics described Waters response as shocking and backhanded.

Waters wasted no time taking digs at the retiring Duffy, who is resigning his position to help his wife take care of his ninth child.

According to reports, the Duffy’s soon-to-be-born baby is expected to have a serious heart condition, and Duffy announced the commute to and from Washington, D.C. would be too much strain on his family life.

“We fight a lot, but I always say you’re a really nice person,” Duffy said to Waters in his last statement as a member of the House Financial Services Committee.

What she said in response was described as “passive aggressive” by some critics

“I want to thank you for your very public comments, complimenting me and thanking me,” a snarky Waters replied. “I was shocked — however, you’re repeating it one more time and I’m so pleased.”

“I want to thank you for the times you have tried to interfere with me doing my work over here when you rush across the aisle with another comment that is unwelcome,” Waters continued.

In the end, Waters thanking Duffy and wishing his family well.

Duffy took her backhanded comments in stride.

In a classy move, Rep. Ann Wagner, R-M.O., bid Duffy a tearful goodbye, which is also shown in the footage.

You can see the footage here —