House conservatives concluded their blockade of the House floor on Tuesday, allowing Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to advance legislative business after nearly a month of stalled activity. The House passed a procedural vote with a margin of 215-211, enabling discussions on an appropriations bill for the State Department, legislation to make daylight saving time permanent, and a measure to enhance veterans’ benefits.
Speaker Johnson paired the State Department funding bill with the SAVE America Act, which led several conservative members to change their votes in response to demands for increased pressure on the Senate regarding the stalled measure. Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., was the only Republican to oppose the procedural rule, while all Democrats voted against it.
The blockade had been initiated by conservatives seeking to compel GOP leaders to hold votes on the SAVE America Act and a border security bill. Given the narrow Republican majority, Johnson could only afford a few defections from his party.
Amid increasing pressure to resume legislative activities, GOP leaders are working to draft a comprehensive bill while also addressing government funding ahead of the September 30 deadline and potential supplemental funding related to the Iran war. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., who had been part of the blockade, agreed to proceed after Johnson's proposal to combine the election measure with the appropriations bill.
Johnson had previously attempted to attach the SAVE America Act to an annual defense policy bill but faced continued resistance. Some GOP members expressed concerns about the legislative priorities, emphasizing the need for election integrity measures. Trump has indicated that the SAVE America Act is a top priority for him, and some House Republicans are advocating for a focus on this legislation before considering other matters.