WASHINGTON - US lawmakers took a brief break on Friday from fierce debate on a climate change bill to pay tribute to Michael Jackson, praising the deceased 'King of Pop' as a singing and dancing inspiration.

'We rise to pay tribute to a star that went high into the sky,' Democratic Representative Diane Watson of California said at the center of a small cluster of colleagues on the floor of the House of Representatives.

'A young man has left Earth, but now resides in the stars. And this was a talented, multitalented person who entertained the world with his dynamic portrayals, his songs that he had written, his style of dancing,' she said.

Ms Watson said lawmakers were sending 'our condolences, our heartfelt sorrow to his family, his friends, and to his millions of fans throughout the world.'

Democratic Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr, said that God 'distributes grace and mercy and talent to all his children' and had especially blessed Jackson, who succumbed to apparent cardiac arrest on Thursday.

'With that gift, that young man, Michael K Jackson would touch and change the world. His heart couldn't get any bigger. And yesterday, it arrested,' he said.

'I come to the floor today on behalf of a generation to thank God for letting all of us live in his generation and his era. with that, we ask members to please stand for a moment of silence,' he said.

While the din in the House chamber subsided somewhat, many members continued to talk among themselves, and debate on a historic bill to fight climate change quickly resumed.

Democratic Representative Barbara Lee, the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement that Jackson 'was an icon who inspired generations around the world through song and dance.'

'His contributions to American music are innumerable and the genius of his talent will endure for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael's family as we mourn and remember this incredible human being who touched the lives of millions,' she said. -- AFP