Defense spending bill fails to advance in House due to McCarthy’s delay in short-term funding vote.

A Small Group of⁤ House Conservatives ‌Defeat Vote ⁣on Defense Spending Bill

A⁢ small but influential group of House⁢ conservatives successfully blocked a vote on a ⁤rule governing debate for a ‌crucial defense‌ spending bill on Tuesday. This unexpected blow to leadership came after House ⁣Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) postponed a procedural vote on a 30-day continuing resolution, ‌which was designed ‌to avert a government shutdown at the end of the month. Only one of the twelve appropriations ‍bills has made it out ‌of the chamber so far, leaving negotiations in ‍a precarious ⁣state.

In a 214-212 tally, Democrats were joined by five GOP members​ in⁤ voting against advancing the 2024 defense‍ resolution for consideration.​ Representatives Ken Buck (R-CO), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Dan Bishop​ (R-NC), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Matt Rosendale ‍(R-MT) all played a role in ⁢this unexpected outcome.

“I​ took down the rule — as⁢ I vowed I would — because the Conference continues not to have ⁤moved twelve appropriations bills at the​ spending level agreed to⁤ in January. I assume leadership believes me now,” Bishop said in a statement.

Some other GOP members expressed outrage at their colleagues’ opposition to advancing the defense appropriations bill, which includes provisions ranging from pay raises to border security ⁤and blocking funds for transgender ‌procedures.

“They’re confused and they just handed a win to the Chinese Communist ⁣Party as a result of⁤ this ​vote,” Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) told reporters.

The chaos in the‌ House has reached a crescendo less than two weeks before the deadline to pass spending⁣ legislation for the next fiscal ⁢year. Without a ‍deal, a government shutdown looms at the⁣ end of the month.

More than a dozen hardliners in the GOP conference have made ⁢demands on spending and transparency, expressing their opposition to the 30-day continuing resolution. However, McCarthy pulled the vote before it could take place.

“For months, I⁣ have made it clear that in⁤ order for me to support the appropriations ⁣bills, we need to see the total value for all 12 bills. Leadership has yet to provide us with that ⁤number,⁢ which is why I voted against the rule this afternoon! Why are they keeping it a secret?” Rosendale said in a post.

The passage of ⁤any legislation by the GOP-led House will face challenges in the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, as well as the White House. President Joe Biden has criticized Republicans ⁣for their ​efforts to⁢ secure spending cuts and ⁤their commitment ‍to what he calls‍ “MAGAnomics.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) described the House GOP’s continuing ⁣resolution as “slapdash, reckless, and cruel.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries even went as far as to say that House Republicans⁢ were engaged in a “civil war.”

McCarthy​ finds himself in the⁤ midst of this spending fracas while ​also dealing with an ‍impeachment ⁤inquiry into President Biden ‍and threats from within his ⁤own party to oust him from the speakership. However, McCarthy remains focused on doing what he believes is right‍ for the American⁢ people.

In a preview ⁢of what is to come, McCarthy announced that the House will vote and debate ⁤on spending bills this weekend. Members have ⁣been advised to keep their schedules flexible due‌ to ​the potential for votes over⁤ the next​ several days.

What are some of the provisions related to ⁣social issues that have caused controversy in the defense spending​ bill?

⁣obstruction,” said Representative Jody Hice (R-GA).

The defense ‌spending bill, which ​is typically considered one of the most important ​pieces of legislation each year, allocates ‍funds for the military and⁤ national defense programs. It covers ‍a wide range of expenses, including personnel costs, equipment‌ procurement, research and development, and military construction projects.

The opponents of the bill cite various ‍reasons⁤ for their opposition. Some argue that the spending levels are ⁤too high and will contribute to the growing national debt. ​Others believe that the bill does not adequately address the current threats ‌facing the United States,‌ such as cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

Additionally, the bill has been a source of contention due to its inclusion of provisions related to social issues. One of‍ the‌ most controversial provisions is the inclusion of funds for gender transition procedures ⁤in the military. Opponents argue that this goes against their conservative values and is a ⁤misuse of taxpayer money.

The defeat of the vote ⁣on the defense‌ spending bill comes at a critical time, ​as Congress ‍faces a tight deadline to pass a budget and avert a government shutdown. With only a few‌ weeks left until the end⁢ of the‍ fiscal year, lawmakers must ‍act quickly to reach a compromise and ‍ensure vital government functions continue.

House⁤ Speaker Kevin McCarthy expressed​ his disappointment at the outcome of the vote and vowed to continue ⁣working towards ⁤a resolution.

“I will continue working with members to address their concerns, as I believe it is vital that we pass a defense spending bill to support our military and national security,”⁢ McCarthy said.

The defeat of the vote on the defense ‍spending ‌bill highlights the challenges faced by House leadership in ⁢garnering support for key ⁣legislation. With a slim majority in the House, every vote counts, and appeasing the disparate‍ interests within the‍ Republican party can prove to be a difficult task.

As negotiations continue, ‌it remains to be seen how House Republicans ⁣will proceed.‌ Will they be able to find common ground and reach a compromise on the defense spending bill, or will the divisions within the party ‌continue to hinder progress?

Regardless of the outcome, the defeat of ⁢the vote serves as ⁣a ⁣reminder of the power a small group of conservatives can wield in shaping the legislative agenda. As Congress grapples with‌ critical issues such as infrastructure, immigration,‍ and healthcare, the​ influence of these conservative members will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of American policy and politics.

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