GOP rule to debate four bills passes by razor-thin margin

After the continuing resolution cleared, House GOP leaders managed a 210-208 vote to adopt a rule that will bring four separate bills to the floor for debate. The vote was nearly derailed by five Republican dissenters—Chip Roy, Pete Sessions, Andy Harris, Clay Higgins and Ralph Norman—but was saved by the unexpected support of Democrats Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Jared Golden, who represent districts that usually lean Republican.

The rule covers legislation to extend a pause on North Atlantic right-whale related lobster regulations, streamline mining permits while blocking a Biden-era rule, prohibit federal aid to colleges that boycott strategic partners such as Israel, and a resolution denouncing socialism. Speaker Mike Johnson said the outcome shows Republicans are still focused on governing rather than campaigning. The dissent stemmed from concerns about several Senate-added items in the stopgap bill, including THC-hemp product restrictions and Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood. Golden, a retiring member, co-sponsored the lobster bill, while Perez and Golden have been vocal supporters of Israel and critics of left-wing policies.