"The House was in session at the Capitol on Thursday, but thanks to the latest procession of Republicans reporting for duty in front of a Manhattan criminal courthouse to show support for former President Donald J. Trump at his trial, the party risked ceding its control of the floor,” the New York Times reports.

“Almost a dozen House Republicans showed up at the courthouse on Thursday…”

“Republicans control the House by such a slim margin, 217-213, that just two defections can sink legislation if all members are present and voting — and just a few absences can erase their majority altogether. The show of support for Mr. Trump from such a large group of members meant that for much of Thursday, the G.O.P. may have handed the floor over to Democrats, leaving themselves exposed on the House floor.”

  • Wrench@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    Ok. That seems academic at best. With Mike Johnson as speaker, what would the dems be able to do to capitalize on their temporary majority? The Speaker would just refuse to hold a vote.

    • jennwiththesea@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      It looks like there is a work around for that, but it involves the Rules Committee, which is typically appointed by the Speaker. So, yeah, not possible, outside of some exceptions that I’m not sure I understand well enough to explain. Something about things that are “privileged”.

    • 800XL@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      Doesn’t matter, the sadly the Dems can’t get their shit together to pass something anyway

      • Wrench@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        Yes, it does matter. You’re blaming the dems for not getting their shit together to pass anything, when they literally can’t. Mike Johnson, as speaker of the House, decides what can be voted on, and when.

        Basic civics. I never even studied political science, but it’s astounding how strong your opinions are on Dems failings when you don’t even understand the basic rules of how our executive legislative branches work.

        • plz1@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          Throwing a lot of shade there when (I hope) you goofed and really meant legislative branch. I agree with your POV, but be accurate, if you’re taking the road you’re taking.