More than a dozen House Republicans derailed three GOP bills on Wednesday in a show of frustration with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s handling of government spending.
This latest torpedo to Mr. Johnson’s agenda followed his deal with Senate Democratic leader Charles E. Schumer that set a $1.66 trillion topline on 2024 spending.
“This was a statement of a protest to say, ‘Hey, we’re not going to just go along to get along like everything’s okay,’” said Rep. Bob Good, the Virginia Republican who chairs the House Freedom Caucus.
The blocked GOP bills would stop settlement slush funds, voice disapproval of Biden administration’s plans to suspend “Buy American” rules to bolster production of electric vehicle chargers and voice disapproval of new business rules that critics say harm franchises.
Mr. Good and other arch-conservatives derailed the legislation in a procedural vote that the majority party would normally pass without a hitch. This year, House Republicans have tanked several bills this way because of disagreements with leadership.
House conservatives increasingly voice their disappointment and anger over the $1.66 trillion spending agreement.
SEE ALSO: Speaker Johnson ‘not concerned’ about possible push to oust him
Mr. Good argued that the number, which is roughly the same as the previously agreed-to budget brokered by Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Biden, actually spends more despite offsetting about $16 billion in spending.
Rep. Chip Roy, Texas Republican, has floated ousting Mr. Johnson. Mr. Roy also voted to derail the three bills on Wednesday.
Mr. Johnson’s foes in the conference say he’s racked up failures such as passing a stopgap bill passed in November to keep the government open and allowing passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act that lacked several conservative policy riders.
“Those are wins for the Democrats and losses for the American people,” Mr. Good said.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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