Morning Roundup: House Republicans Shut Down Regular Order
Yesterday, Speaker Ryan and House Republicans decided to abandon their promise of regular order because they’re worried about having to show the American people where they really stand on critical issues. Despite promising an open appropriations process, Republican leadership is tightening their grip after their Members took down their own Energy and Water appropriations bill because it banned discrimination.
Bottom line: House Republicans are changing rules so they can discriminate. And Speaker Ryan’s decision to do so isn’t playing well with his own Members:
Politico: Paul Ryan proposes blocking amendments that could kill spending bills
“House Speaker Paul Ryan is looking to tighten leadership’s grip on the appropriations process by blocking amendments that could sink spending bills.”
“The move by Ryan, which has not yet been finalized, comes on the heels of a massive fight over LGBT rights that ultimately sank the energy and water spending bill a couple of weeks ago.”
“’I’m completely against a structured rule,’ Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said after the meeting, adding that members shouldn’t need to be ‘protected’ from taking tough votes.”
Roll Call: House GOP Considers 'Poison Pill' Remedy
“On the first two appropriations bills the House brought to the floor under open rules in late May, members were allowed to submit amendments as the bills were being debated. That led to an amendment frenzy and the failure of the bill funding water and energy projects.”
“Paul D. Ryan was elected House speaker in October under calls for a more open amendment process…”
“’This is a deliberative body. People come here from different districts, different parties, and we hold votes and the outcome represents the will of the American people, said Michigan Rep. Justin Amash.”
Washington Post: Ryan moves to prevent another floor fight on LGBT rights
“House Speaker Paul D. Ryan on Wednesday took the first steps to prevent Democrats from forcing votes on sensitive political issues, such as protections for LGBT individuals.”
“’I believe that [limits to the amendment process] should never be used to thwart a majority member’s opportunity to offer amendments that they believe are appropriate,’ said Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.).”
The Hill: Ryan changes rules for spending bills
“House GOP leaders on Wednesday announced that they will begin restricting contentious amendments on spending bills, a move that critics say violates the party’s commitment to regular order.”
“’Our leadership is using this as an excuse to close down the process,’ Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said after the meeting.”