House Fails to Adopt Rule for National Defense Authorization Act and Appropriations, Passes Ethics Transparency Resolution 420-0
The House convened for a major legislative day, primarily focused on a rule to consider four significant measures: the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, and a resolution commemorating the Working Families Tax Cuts. However, the rule, H. Res. 1398, failed to be adopted by a recorded vote of 198-224, halting immediate consideration of these bills. Additionally, the House voted on H. Con. Res. 108, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon, which failed 189-235. In a rare unanimous vote, the House adopted H. Res. 1399, a privileged resolution directing the Committee on Ethics to publicly release records related to monetary settlements involving acts of sexual harassment.
The failure to adopt the rule for the NDAA and other key legislation represents a significant procedural setback for the House majority, impacting the legislative agenda ahead of the Independence Day recess. The passage of the ethics transparency resolution, H. Res. 1399, with overwhelming bipartisan support, marks a notable step towards increased accountability regarding workplace conduct within Congress. The rejection of the War Powers Resolution on Lebanon indicates the House's stance on the President's military actions in the region.
House Resolution 1398
H. Res. 1398Question before the chamber
Adoption of the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 8800, H.R. 8595, H.R. 8884, and H. Res. 1383.
The case for
Mr. Austin Scott argued that the rule enables consideration of critical legislation, including the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 8800) which rebuilds the American arsenal, revitalizes the defense industrial base, and improves servicemember quality of life with a 5-7 percent pay raise. He highlighted H.R. 8595 (Appropriations) for advancing an 'America First' agenda and restoring fiscal sanity. H.R. 8884 (SSA demo) was presented as commonsense legislation to help disabled Americans return to work without losing benefits. H. Res. 1383 (Tax Cuts) was praised for making permanent the largest tax reform in decades, benefiting over 140 million Americans with $324 billion in refunds and deductions for overtime, tips, and an expanded child tax credit. He emphasized the need to invest in defense to avoid dependence on adversaries and noted that federal tax revenues were up under the current administration.
The case against
Mr. McGovern and Ms. Sewell strongly opposed the rule, calling the legislative agenda 'chaos and dysfunction'. They criticized the NDAA's 'trillion-dollar price tag' as 'astronomical' and questioned giving such funds to the current President. The Appropriations bill was described as a 'mess' that 'guts all the programs that actually prevent crises'. H.R. 8884 was seen as handing more authority to an administration targeting programs for working people. H. Res. 1383 was labeled a 'self-esteem exercise' for the 'big, ugly bill' that has led to increased gas and grocery prices, a new war, more expensive healthcare, and increased child hunger (citing 800,000 children losing SNAP benefits). They argued the economy is 'lousy' for average Americans, not 'pretty good', and accused Republicans of trying to 'rig the midterm elections' with the SAVE America Act, which they called a 'voter suppression bill' and a 'modern-day poll tax' that would block up to 21 million eligible Americans from voting.
Disposition
The resolution was not agreed to. · recorded vote
Failed
198-224
Amendments
- An amendment to the previous question to strike the section adding the SAVE America Act to the NDAA during engrossment. (Mr. McGovern) — Failed [215-210]
Who is affected
- Military personnel and their families: Proposed pay raises, improved housing, education, and childcare options were stalled due to the rule's failure.
- Defense industrial base: Investments in domestic production capacity and acceleration of innovative technologies, intended to strengthen the defense industrial base, were delayed.
- Taxpayers and the economy: The debate highlighted differing views on the impact of tax cuts and government spending on inflation and economic prosperity.
- Disabled Americans: Legislation aimed at allowing disabled Americans to work without risking Social Security benefits was stalled.
- Low-income families and children: Debate included concerns over cuts to SNAP benefits and increased healthcare costs, which opponents argued negatively impact these groups.
- Voters: The proposed attachment of the SAVE America Act to the NDAA raised concerns about voter suppression and access to the ballot box for eligible citizens.
House Concurrent Resolution 108
H. Con. Res. 108Question before the chamber
Adoption of the concurrent resolution directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon.
The case for
No explicit proponents' case was aired in the provided Record text for this specific measure, beyond the inherent purpose of a War Powers Resolution to limit presidential military action.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record for this specific measure.
Disposition
The concurrent resolution was not agreed to. · recorded vote
Failed
189-235
Who is affected
- United States Armed Forces: The resolution, if adopted, would have directed the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in Lebanon.
- U.S. foreign policy and international relations: The outcome affects the scope of U.S. military engagement in the Middle East.
House Resolution 1399
H. Res. 1399Question before the chamber
Adoption of the resolution directing the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records relating to monetary settlements involving acts of sexual harassment.
The case for
Mr. Massie argued that transparency is essential for accountability in government, particularly regarding the official behavior of Members and employees of the House. He stated that the resolution aims to provide clarity on monetary settlements for sexual harassment and misconduct claims, ensuring that such claims are properly reported and that Members are held accountable for repaying taxpayer money used in settlements, addressing potential loopholes in previous legislation.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
The resolution was agreed to. · recorded vote
Passed
420-0
Who is affected
- Members of Congress, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners: Requires public disclosure of their involvement in sexual harassment settlements paid with taxpayer funds, increasing accountability.
- House employees: Provides transparency regarding settlements involving sexual harassment or misconduct by employees, and other claims, enhancing workplace accountability.
- Taxpayers: Ensures greater transparency regarding the use of public funds for settlements related to workplace misconduct in Congress.
- Victims of harassment or misconduct: Aims to ensure accountability and proper reporting mechanisms for claims.
Rule for Major Legislation Fails Adoption
highHouse Resolution 1398, which would have provided for the consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the National Security Appropriations Act, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, and a resolution on tax cuts, failed to be adopted by a recorded vote of 198-224. This outcome prevents the immediate floor debate and voting on these significant measures.
Ethics Transparency Resolution Adopted Unanimously
highThe House adopted H. Res. 1399, a privileged resolution directing the Committee on Ethics and the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights to publicly release consolidated lists of monetary settlements involving sexual harassment by Members, Delegates, Resident Commissioners, and House employees. The resolution passed with a recorded vote of 420-0, with one Member voting 'present'.
War Powers Resolution on Lebanon Fails
mediumHouse Concurrent Resolution 108, directing the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon pursuant to the War Powers Resolution, failed to be adopted by a recorded vote of 189-235.
Motion to Reconsider Failed Rule Postponed
mediumFollowing the failure of H. Res. 1398, a motion to reconsider the vote on its adoption was made by Mr. Scalise. Further proceedings on this motion were postponed, leaving open the possibility for the rule to be brought up again at a later time.
Debate on Economic Conditions and Social Programs
mediumDuring debate on the rule, Members engaged in extensive discussion regarding the current economic conditions, the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts, and funding for social programs like SNAP and healthcare. Opponents of the rule criticized the economic policies of the administration and the proposed cuts in the appropriations bill, while proponents defended the tax cuts and economic growth.