House Democrats cancel budget vote as liberals demand more spending on social programs

[Celerity]

A liberal revolt forced House Democratic leaders to call off a planned vote on a two-year budget plan Tuesday, an embarrassing outcome for leadership that raised questions about Congress’ ability to solve huge spending fights that loom later this year.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/liberals-threaten-house-democrats-budget-plans-clouding-coming-fiscal-talks/2019/04/09/ed116e72-5ad0-11e9-9625-01d48d50ef75_story.html?utm_term=.94111ee9397a

The development demonstrated the newfound clout of the most liberal members of the House, and their ability to frustrate their leaders’ plans if they stick together — much like the conservative Freedom Caucus routinely did when Republicans controlled the House. And it underscored divisions among House Democrats that have repeatedly forced them to focus on internal disputes instead of the governing agenda they hoped to celebrate as they approach 100 days in the majority. They will reach that milestone on Friday as they gather in Virginia for their annual retreat.

“We have to figure out whether we’re going to be able to govern,” Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) told reporters Tuesday morning as plans to hold a vote on his legislation on Wednesday began to collapse.

At stake Tuesday was legislation setting overall federal spending levels for domestic and military programs that depend on annual congressional appropriations, including the Pentagon and agencies such as the Education and Health and Human Services departments that affect many Americans. (The bill would not set spending levels for programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security that are funded automatically.)

Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus were pushing an amendment calling for higher levels of domestic spending. With Republicans expected to unanimously oppose the legislation, leaders could lose only 17 Democrats on the vote, giving the group of lawmakers the power to exact their demands.

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[PSPS]

1. Yes, it's hard to govern when russia still holds many seats.

[Celerity]

2. yes, we so need to take back the Senate in 2020

[PSPS]

4. You're right, but I was referring to the house.

[Celerity]

5. hopefully we gain some more seats from the Republicans in the House too

[tirebiter]

3. Gotta raise taxes on the rich first.