American Priorities Shouldn’t Be Ignored for GOP Party Unity
From Greg Sargent's Plum Line:
Multiple reportsthis morning tell us House Republicans have reached a consensus: it's far better politically to hold off on acting on immigration, tax reform, and other issues, to avoid fracturing the party for the rest of the year. The problem, as some admit, is that a majority of House Republicans probably can't unite behind solutions. [2/18]
And Robert Costa in the Washington Post:
"We don't have 218 votes in the House for the big issues, so what else are we going to do?" said Rep. Devin Nunes (Calif.), an ally of House Speaker John A. Boehner (Ohio). [2/17]
There may not be 218 Republican votes in the House for the big issues – but there are a number of legislative ideas that have the backing of all or nearly all House Democrats. Surely there are a few brave House Republicans who can agree to put the priorities of the American people before political posturing…
- Extend Emergency UI benefits for millions of Americans – Democrats have tried to bring such a vote to the floor four times since December, House Republicans have blocked them all.
o December 12: blocked 227-195
o January 9: blocked 226 – 191
o January 15: blocked 228-195
o January 28: blocked 222-194
- Paycheck Fairness Act – HR 377 has 207 cosponsors and the discharge petition has 197 signatures.
- Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act – HR 15 has 197 cosponsors, including 3 Republicans
- Fair Minimum Wage Act – HR 1010 has 190 cosponsors
- Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 2013 – HR 1755 has 202 cosponsors, including 6 Republicans
House Democrats stand ready to work with House Republicans to pass legislation that will strengthen the economy and address the needs of American workers and their families. The time for action is now.