Speaker Mike Johnson’s right flank ground the floor to a halt again on Wednesday, this time amid conservative fury over a spending deal he cut with Senate Democrats.
Thirteen House Republicans joined with Democrats to vote against starting debate on a trio of bills unrelated to the funding agreement, two of which are aimed at nixing Biden administration rules, a move that effectively freezes the floor. It’s the latest example of how House conservatives, largely in the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, are trying to punish leadership — even if they aren’t willing to oust Johnson.
The vote remained open for a prolonged period of time, as Johnson huddled in his office with Republican members of the Rules Committee.
“We don’t have a great deal of opportunity to express our disapprobation,” Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz,) said about why conservatives pulled that move.
The right flank pulled the same move several times last year, against both Johnson and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Conservatives have threatened to continue causing problems on the floor as they pushed for further spending cuts.
