Chaos Follows Controversial House Vote

Chaos Follows Controversial House Vote Republicans Walk Out In Protest, Accuse Dems Of Breaking Rules

House Passes Multibillion-Dollar Farm Bill Measure Gives Money To Farmers And Low-Income Nutrition Programs, But Faces Veto Threat

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2007 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., seen in this May 2007 file photo, was among the Republicans to accuse House Democrats of cheating in order to avoid losing a vote Thursday, August 2, 2007. (U.S. Government)

“Obviously, the Democrats don’t want to stand up against illegal immigration – so much so that they’re willing to cheat in order to win a vote."

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: This item originally appeared on The Crypt, Politico's behind-the-scenes blog about Congress.

In a massive flare-up of partisan tensions, Republicans walked out on a House vote late Thursday night to protest what they believed to be Democratic maneuvers to reverse an unfavorable outcome for them.

The flap represents a complete breakdown in parliamentary procedure and an unprecedented low for the sometimes bitterly divided chamber.

The rancor erupted shortly before 11 p.m. as Rep. Michael R. McNulty, D-N.Y., gaveled close the vote on a standard procedural measure with the outcome still in doubt.

Details remain fuzzy, but numerous Republicans argued afterward that they had secured a 215-213 win on their motion to bar undocumented immigrants from receiving any federal funds apportioned in the agricultural spending bill for employment or rental assistance. Democrats, however, argued the measure was deadlocked at 214-214 and failed, members and aides on both sides of the aisle said afterward.

One GOP aide saw McNulty gavel the vote to a close after receiving a signal from his leaders – but before reading the official tally. And votes continued to shift even after he closed the roll call - a strange development in itself.

Whatever the final tally, acrimony quickly exploded between lawmakers on either side of the aisle as Democratic leaders tried to plot a solution, while parliamentarians on either side argued over protocol.

Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., eventually offered a motion to reconsider, according to floor staff on either side, ostensibly giving members a chance to recast their votes. But the maneuver sparked a chorus of angry protests from the Republicans, yelling “shame” on Democrats, while they returned fire with angry volleys of their own.

When Democrats finally moved to consider the spending bill as the last vote of the night, furious Republicans left the chamber en masse to protest the maneuver. The House eventually recessed at 11:18 p.m. But Republicans quickly discovered that there was no longer any record of the controversial vote and immediately charged Democrats with erasing the bad result.

“Obviously, the Democrats don’t want to stand up against illegal immigration – so much so that they’re willing to cheat in order to win a vote,” Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., said in an e-mail. “They’re desperate – and it shows.”

The official House website did not show a record of the vote as of 1 a.m. Friday.

Finally a Republican that speaks his mind about the crap that leads Congress. To bad Republicans became UN-Republicans.

IMO, the GOP should take out national TV ads and show this garbage to the American people. Exposure is the only thing these morons understand. Time for the GOP leadership to find their gonads and stand up to these Liberal sleazebags who want to destroy this country.

I think they have caved on this one haven’t they. In stead of locking the house up , they have agreed to some rinky-dink panel. The whole think will be white washed as usual.

3 posted on 08/03/2007 5:43:26 PM PDT by org.whodat (What's the difference between a Democrat and a republican????)

That is how I read it too!

4 posted on 08/03/2007 6:14:42 PM PDT by stephenjohnbanker ( Hunter/Thompson/Thompson/Hunter in 08! "Read my lips....No new RINO's" !!)

They should have locked the House up!

5 posted on 08/03/2007 6:16:23 PM PDT by stephenjohnbanker ( Hunter/Thompson/Thompson/Hunter in 08! "Read my lips....No new RINO's" !!)

6 posted on 08/03/2007 6:20:10 PM PDT by stephenjohnbanker ( Hunter/Thompson/Thompson/Hunter in 08! "Read my lips....No new RINO's" !!)

Leave it to Rush and Shaun.

The quintessential argument against a Pelosi-run House.
Shameful? It’s worse.

7 posted on 08/03/2007 6:53:05 PM PDT by tennteacher (Duncan Hunter '08)

But Republicans quickly discovered that there was no longer any record of the controversial vote and immediately charged Democrats with erasing the bad result...ah, rewriting history - usually takes longer than overnight, but then 'rats always were precocious when it comes to cheating and thugism.....

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