House approves military appropriations bill despite GOP standoff.
The House Narrowly Advances Military Construction Appropriations Bill
The House of Representatives narrowly advanced its annual military construction appropriations bill on Thursday, putting an end to a weeklong standoff between GOP leadership and hardline conservatives. Initially, these conservatives threatened to tank the legislation unless significant spending cuts were made.
The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act passed the House with a 218-211 vote, allowing the House to make progress on spending legislation before lawmakers leave for a six-week recess later on Thursday. The bill passed mostly along party lines, with all Democrats voting against it. Only two Republicans, Reps. Tim Burchett and Ken Buck, opposed the bill.
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Typically, the military appropriations bill passes without much drama or fervor, making it one of the easiest spending bills to pass out of Congress each year. However, this process was nearly disrupted earlier this week when members of the House Freedom Caucus threatened to withhold their support for the must-pass legislation unless crucial changes were made by GOP leadership.
Republicans were seen meeting in House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s office in the days and hours leading up to the vote. However, it remained uncertain whether the bill had enough GOP support until the moment it was brought to the floor. Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) even stated to reporters ahead of the vote that he would vote against it.
One of the main demands made by House Freedom Caucus members was to slash spending to fiscal 2022 levels, which would result in approximately a $115 billion cut.
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“We want the ’22 levels, and we want no rescissions,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) to reporters on Tuesday. “No smoke and mirrors for the American people. We want a budget that trims the fat and prioritizes programs that will defend and protect this country.”
It is not entirely clear whether a deal was made between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Freedom Caucus members to secure their support. However, the speaker managed to gather enough support within his caucus to advance the bill. The House is now expected to adjourn for its August recess, leaving one day earlier than planned due to disagreements over the agriculture appropriations bill.
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