House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana achieved a notable win on Tuesday, navigating through a resistance within the House GOP to advance a resolution condemning socialism. This victory followed a challenge from House conservatives who had threatened to disrupt a procedural vote, known as a ‘rule vote.’ This vote was essential for unlocking debate on key bills GOP leaders aimed to pass during the week.
The opposition was not against the resolution itself, nor the bills potentially moving forward due to its passage. It was a demonstration against the leadership’s handling of a plan to avoid a government shutdown prior to the midterm elections. This plan involved a short-term funding bill called a continuing resolution (CR).
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Rep. Chip Roy from Texas voiced his disapproval on social media, stating that the House would vote on a resolution that does not meet common-sense policies for Americans. Andy Harris of Maryland, Chair of the House Freedom Caucus, echoed these sentiments, confirming his intention to vote against the rule as an objection to the CR.
Several GOP members expressed frustration with modifications made by the Senate to the original House CR. Changes included delaying a planned hemp product ban by 30 days and curbing the Trump administration’s control over federal grants. Rep. Keith Self from Texas criticized these amendments, asserting that the suspension of a CR disregards Republican votes and potentially leans on Democratic support.
Roy further criticized the CR for not cutting funding to sanctuary jurisdictions or abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.
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A bill voted under ‘suspension’ is expedited past procedural challenges, requiring a supermajority for passage. The survival of the rule vote does not alter the ultimate fate of the CR. Typically, a CR serves as a temporary extension of existing federal funding, providing lawmakers additional time to formulate a budget for the upcoming fiscal year commencing in October.
Should the CR be approved, it will delay the government shutdown confrontation until December 11.
Historically, rule votes align with party lines. Recently, defying leadership by siding with opposition to defeat a rule vote has become more prevalent, particularly among conservative lawmakers using it as a protest tactic.
Elizabeth Elkind reports for Fox News Digital, covering the House of Representatives. Her work has appeared in publications like Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].