Two Democrats Support GOP Resolution to Condemn Socialism

<p>Two Democrats assisted Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in advancing a resolution to condemn socialism on Tuesday, overcoming opposition from some House Republicans. The resolution passed with a narrow vote of 209 to 208.</p><p>House conservatives had threatened to block a procedural vote, known as a "rule vote," that was necessary to enable debate on several bills that GOP leaders wanted to bring to the floor this week. The opposition was led by five Republicans who voted against the rule, including Reps. Pete Sessions, R-Texas; Chip Roy, R-Texas; Ralph Norman, R-S.C.; Clay Higgins, R-La.; and Andy Harris, R-Md.</p><p>The two Democrats, Reps. Jared Golden, D-Maine, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., provided the critical votes needed to pass the rule. This cooperation between the minority party and the majority party is uncommon.</p><p>House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., expressed surprise at the Democrats' support for the resolution, stating he was not informed in advance. The dissenting Republicans were protesting the handling of a short-term funding bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), which had passed shortly before the rule vote.</p><p>Rep. Chip Roy criticized the CR for failing to include provisions he deemed necessary, such as cutting off funding to sanctuary jurisdictions and abortion providers. The CR aims to extend current federal funding levels and push the government shutdown deadline to December 11.</p><p>The rule vote's passage does not impact the CR's chances of passing, as voting on a bill under "suspension" raises the threshold for passage to two-thirds. This procedural tactic has become more common in recent years as lawmakers use it to express dissent.</p>