Rep. McGovern Accuses GOP of Rigging House Rules to Block Tariff Vote

House Rules Changed to Prevent Tariff Vote

• 🎯 House Republicans are accused of changing the definition of a "day" to prevent a vote on Donald Trump's tariffs.
• 💡 This procedural change, implemented through House Resolution 211, obstructs the process outlined in the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
• 🏛️ The intent behind these rule changes is to protect Republican members from having to vote on the tariffs, thereby shielding them from accountability.

Obstruction of Legislative Process

• 📌 A joint resolution to terminate the national emergency imposing tariffs, introduced by Ranking Member Meeks, was referred to committee 34 days ago.
• ⏳ According to House rules, a motion to discharge a committee from such a resolution should be available after 15 calendar days, but this was disallowed.
• 🚫 Republicans are described as rigging the rules to prevent a vote that members of the House should legally be able to demand.

Impact of Tariffs and Procedural Tactics

• 💸 The tariffs are causing economic chaos, raising prices for Americans, and creating business uncertainty.
• ⏳ A bipartisan Senate resolution to terminate the national emergency on tariffs, introduced by Senator Kaine, has been held at Speaker Johnson's desk, preventing a discharge petition and an up-or-down vote.
• 📢 McGovern asserts that these procedural tricks are designed to be confusing but vows to ensure the American people are aware of the actions taken by Republican leadership.

Call for Accountability

• ⚖️ The speaker of the House is single-handedly preventing members from forcing a vote on tariffs, a right that is established in law.
• 📣 McGovern criticizes the Republican leadership for rigging the rules and preventing debate on serious issues, calling it an "absurd" and "national disgrace."
• 🗳️ He emphasizes that if a vote cannot be secured on the floor, the American people will render their verdict at the ballot box.