Two Democrats Save Mike Johnson's House Legislative Agenda

Democratic Representatives Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez broke party precedent on Tuesday by voting with Republicans to pass a GOP-backed rules package. The 210-208 vote rescued the legislative agenda of Mike Johnson from a rebellion by five House conservatives, including Andy Harris and Ralph Norman, who opposed a Senate-crafted continuing resolution that delayed a ban on hemp THC products.

Golden reportedly supported the procedural vote to advance a White House-backed bill supporting lobstermen. However, the move also enabled Republicans to proceed with messaging votes opposed by Democrats, including a resolution to denounce socialism. The continuing resolution, which extends government funding through December 11, subsequently passed the House under suspension of the rules.

Democratic leadership reacted sharply to the defection. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated the lawmakers blindsided the caucus and created a significant breach of trust, while Democratic Whip Katherine Clark noted the votes violated team expectations. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed disappointment, stating she never encountered such a breach of protocol during her tenure.

Following the vote, Speaker Johnson announced plans to introduce a constitutional amendment to permanently limit the U.S. Supreme Court to nine justices. Johnson accused the left wing of the Democratic Party of plotting to pack the court and stated the measure would be brought to the floor the following day.