In a rare bipartisan maneuver, two House Democrats joined Republicans on Wednesday to pass a procedural rule, rescuing Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) legislative agenda from a conservative revolt. The rule, which sets debate and voting parameters for a batch of GOP-backed bills, was approved 210-208, with five Republicans voting no and Democrats Jared Golden (Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.) voting yes.
The rule includes a Republican resolution denouncing socialism, a key messaging item for the party ahead of the midterms. Golden and Perez's decision to back the rule is highly unusual, as the minority party typically votes against such measures regardless of their stance on the underlying bills. Their support proved decisive in a chamber where Republicans hold only a slim majority.
The five Republican defectors—Reps. Andy Harris (Md.), Clay Higgins (La.), Ralph Norman (S.C.), Chip Roy (Texas), and Pete Sessions (Texas)—voted against the rule to protest the exclusion of a Senate-crafted continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through December 11. The CR, which contains provisions many conservatives oppose, was passed Tuesday under suspension of the rules, a move that denied them a chance to block it.
Roy, who had pledged Monday to vote against the rule, downplayed any organized effort to defeat it. “People asked us what we thought. We told them. Andy and I both felt strongly about the fact that they were amending the CR. You didn’t get the CR in the rule, but you know, people got to vote however they want to,” he said. “So we weren’t like having a big push to try to you know quote kill the rule. I just I wasn’t going to support it.”
Higgins echoed the frustration, blaming the Senate for altering the CR. “Well, I mean, we’re leaning in on the non-performance of the Senate. That’s what’s really happening,” he said. “These guys across campus, they act like the royal court over there.”
The vote underscores the delicate balancing act Johnson faces in managing his caucus, where conservative hardliners have repeatedly used rule votes to extract concessions. The decision by Golden and Perez, both of whom represent swing districts, highlights growing Democratic willingness to break ranks on procedural matters, a trend that could have implications for upcoming races.
Golden and Perez have previously shown independence from party leadership, often voting with Republicans on issues like energy and border security. Their support for the rule may signal a pragmatic approach as Democrats seek to appeal to moderate voters in battleground districts. The move also comes as Democrats work to improve their standing with working-class voters.
The rule's passage clears the way for floor debate on the GOP's socialist-denouncing resolution, which Democrats have countered with their own proposal. The exchange is expected to feature sharp partisan rhetoric, as both parties vie for political advantage heading into the November elections.
Observers note that while rule votes are typically routine, the narrow margins and high stakes have turned them into battlegrounds. The involvement of minority-party members in such votes is nearly unprecedented in recent memory, reflecting the unusual dynamics of this Congress.
Johnson, who has faced criticism from the right over his handling of spending bills, can claim a temporary victory. However, the underlying tensions over government funding and conservative priorities remain unresolved, promising further clashes in the weeks ahead.
