Third Conservative House Republican Derails Disaster Aid, Keeping Its Fate In Limbo Until Recess Breaks
The objection was voiced by freshman Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) after Democrats sought to advance the legislation via unanimous consent. The package has faced many road bumps in the past few months, and is meant to help the victims of recent disasters such as the California wildfires and Hurricane Maria.
Conservative House Republicans succeeded again Thursday in their campaign to derail passage of a $19.1 billion disaster aid package. Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) objected to passing the bill by voice vote. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who derailed the same measure earlier this week, was by Rose's side. The move means the measure will not be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature until the House returns from recess Monday and takes a roll call vote. (Scholtes, 5/30)
But Rose鈥檚 objection meant the bill that would deliver assistance to states and territories hard hit by hurricanes, flooding and wildfires did not advance, just as happened twice in the past week with other conservative lawmakers stepping in to make the objection. 鈥淥ur nation is $22聽trillion in debt,鈥 Rose said in brief remarks in a nearly empty House chamber. He said trying to pass nearly $20聽billion in new spending was 鈥渁nother act of irresponsible big government.鈥 (Werner, 5/30)
The legislation is still expected to have the votes to pass when the House returns to Washington next week, but the objection will stall the bill until a floor vote can take place. "This is absolutely without a doubt wrong," Rose said Thursday, raising concerns about the bill being brought to the floor when most members are in their home districts. (Foran and Killough, 5/30)
A $19 billion disaster aid bill that鈥檚 still crawling through Congress highlights the inconsistency of lawmakers, mostly conservatives, who stood resolute against such aid six years ago but demand it now that their states are under water. (Taylor, 5/30)
