Key facts
- House Republicans advanced their floor agenda with the help of two Democrats.
- The vote passed 214-211.
- Reps. Andy Harris and Ralph Norman voted no.
- Rep. Andy Harris introduced a bill to suspend the federal gas tax.
House Republicans once again relied on Democratic votes to advance their legislative agenda, with the House voting 214-211 to adopt a rule. This marks the second time this month that Democrats have aided Speaker Mike Johnson in passing procedural votes. Two Republicans, Andy Harris of Maryland and Ralph Norman of South Carolina, voted against the measure. Several other Republicans, including Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, only voted in favor after extensive negotiations with House GOP leadership. The last time House Republicans passed a rule without Democratic assistance was in July. Speaker Johnson expressed confidence that the votes would have been secured regardless, stating that discussions about other proposed measures were part of the process. Following earlier votes by Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Golden with the GOP, Democratic leadership had promised a significant response, but later indicated no public consequences would follow private conversations with the lawmakers. Golden is retiring at the end of his term, while Gluesenkamp Perez is seeking reelection in a district that voted for Trump in 2024. Representative Harris announced prior to the vote that he was introducing a bill to suspend the federal gas tax, suggesting his vote was contingent on floor consideration of his proposal.