Last week it was Chip Roy who blocked a $19 billion dollar package from passing via unanimous consent. Today Democrats tried to jam it through again without a vote and another Republican stepped up and blocked it:
THE HILL – A second House Republican blocked passage of a disaster aid bill on Tuesday, increasing the odds that lawmakers will have to wait until the chamber reconvenes from recess next week to send the measure to President Trump.
Conservative Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) objected to an attempt by Democrats to clear a $19.1 billion disaster aid package by unanimous consent during a pro forma session.
During Tuesday’s session, Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) offered a request to pass the disaster aid package by unanimous consent, while Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) presided.
But Massie objected, saying Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) “should have called a vote on this bill before sending every member of Congress on recess for 10 days.”
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), who was also on the House floor, urged Republicans — without success — not to object.
Massie tweeted about it a few minutes ago arguing that the Constitution demands that at least half of Congress be present when voting for a bill like this.
He also clearly feels Pelosi should have had people vote on it before they left:
Passing an unbudgeted $19 billion spending bill without a vote of Congress is legislative malpractice.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 28, 2019
The Constitution is unambiguous, conducting this type of business requires at least half of Congress to be present.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 28, 2019
If Speaker Pelosi considered this must pass legislation, why did she send everyone home on recess for ten days before voting on it?
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 28, 2019
Looks like it’s definitely headed for a vote next week.