House Democrats erupt into infighting over leadership power play
House Democratic leaders are trying to flex some muscle this week after two members defected on a key procedural vote. It's stoking fury among members across the political spectrum. Why it matters: The blowup offers a preview of the chaos that party leaders could face in January if they take back the House majority. Meanwhile, an effort to give House Democratic leaders more tools to keep their…
House Democratic leaders are clashing as two centrist members joined Republicans on a key procedural vote, prompting fury across the political spectrum. The incident could presage chaos if Democrats regain control of the House in January. Efforts to strengthen party discipline next year have hit a wall among rank-and-file members.
Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) sparked outrage by aiding Republicans in passing a procedural measure that allowed House votes on various measures, including a GOP resolution denouncing socialism and a bipartisan bill co-authored by Golden to protect lobstermen from whale protection regulations.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and his deputies were livid that Golden and Perez defected without warning, accusing them of a "significant breach of trust" that demands a serious response.
Various solutions have been proposed, such as removing the two members from their committees or implementing stricter caucus rules requiring members to attend key votes, follow party leadership, and pay DCCC dues. However, many Progressive Caucus members have vowed to oppose such a rule change. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), the caucus deputy chair, stated that it would not receive their support, arguing that it could be used against all members.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the Progressive Caucus chair emerita, also dismissed the proposal, saying it will not fly.
House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) indicated that any rule change would be determined by the caucus itself. While centrists worry that removing Golden or Gluesenkamp from committees would be unfair, they argue that other Democrats have defied party leaders in the past without facing consequences. Some moderates want assurances that any punishment would be applied equally to all members.
The episode may signal leadership's intention to adopt a more authoritative style ahead of taking back the House majority.
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