U.S. House Democrats Seek to Silence Minority Party
from staff reports
Rule from 1822 protects the voice of the underdog.
There’s a power struggle in the U.S. House, as Democrats try to do away with a regulation that’s been in effect since 1822. The rule, called “motion to recommit” allows the minority party to kill a bill that’s been voted on, by sending it back to committee. Without it, almost half of the House would be silenced.
House Republicans have successfully halted nearly a dozen Democratic attempts to raise taxes or take away religious freedom by using “motions to recommit.” News reports indicate that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tried and failed to take away the 185-year-old privilege.
Brian Kennedy, spokesman for House Minority Leader John Boehner, called it a power-grab.
“It would ultimately allow the Democrats the ability to increase government spending and raise taxes without having to vote to do so, and be held accountable,” he told Family News in Focus.
Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., said no other majority has ever tried to take away the prized privilege.
“What they are attempting to do and have attempted to do," he said, "is to, in essence, make it so that 48 percent of the United States House of Representatives has virtually no voice on legislation.”
Democrats promise to keep Republicans in the loop if another rules change is attempted.
Gary Bauer, president of American Values, predicts that will happen right after the Memorial Day recess.
“So I think there’s going to be a real battle here in Washington," he said, "and I suspect the outcome of the battle will depend on whether the rule change can be made without the average American noticing what’s going on.”
House Democrats, including Pelosi, did not return calls.
(Paid for by Focus on the Family Action)
