2 Democrats Save Mike Johnson From Facing Another Floor Shutdown

Democratic Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington rescued House Speaker Mike Johnson Tuesday from facing a floor shutdown.

Five Republicans voted against a rule to protest the passage of the continuing resolution (CR), particularly because it delayed a ban on hemp THC products. If the two Democrats did not vote in favor of opening debate on several bills, the floor would have shut down and the chamber likely would have gone home.

Republican Reps. Chip Roy of Texas, Andy Harris of Maryland, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Clay Higgins of Louisiana and Pete Sessions of Texas voted against the rule. If no Democrat voted for the rule, Johnson could have afforded to lose three Republican votes.

Golden and Perez are seen as moderate Democrats and represent districts that President Donald Trump won. Golden voted with former President Joe Biden less than half the time, while a conservative scorecard once ranked Perez the Democrat most aligned with Trump’s 2024 agenda, according to The Oregonian.

Some Democrats expressed frustration with Golden and Perez over their votes. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he did “not get a heads up” that they would vote for the rule, and that Democratic leadership would have a conversation on the matter.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was “disappointed” in their vote.

“Voting for the rule is something that I, as Speaker, never — We didn’t even consider that anybody would do that. We never had that problem, so I’m disappointed that they did that.”