Democrats give GOP a do-over after passing a bill to end the shutdown without a recorded vote
by Susan Ferrechio
| January 17, 2019 01:35 PM
| Updated Jan 17, 2019, 02:17 PM
House Democrats on Thursday agreed to vote again on legislation to open up the government through February after Republicans complained that the bill passed without a recorded vote.
Republicans were caught off-guard when the bill, which would reopen the government through Feb. 28, sailed through the House on a voice vote. GOP lawmakers were eager to register their opposition to the bill, since it doesn't include any funding for President Trump's proposed border wall.
As soon as it passed in a voice vote, Republicans complained that they were not given a chance to request a roll-call vote from Democrats, who run the floor.
“I was awaiting a request for a recorded vote and did not have one,†said Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., the presiding officer, after Republicans complained. “And if there was one, it was not timely.â€
Republicans said Butterfield did not provide the opportunity for the opponents of the measure to call for a recorded vote, which typically happens. Republicans tried to order a revote and asked the parliamentarian how they could order a vote, but they were denied repeatedly.
“What’s the deal here?†Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., asked at one point during the confusion. “It’s done. We told people to go home.â€
“I don’t think any games were played,†Hoyer said. “I’m going to look at the tape. I understand most of you were not for the resolution that passed. I was surprised it went without a vote.â€
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