House Democrats lined up in the House chamber to repeatedly demand amendments to Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill,” one of many delay tactics the party can use to counter President Donald Trump’s landmark legislation.
On Wednesday, Democrats led by the Congressional Black Caucus stood at a podium and called for unanimous consent for an amendment that “protects against any cuts to Medicaid and [the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program],” which took over half an hour. A Democratic whip notice encouraged all caucus members to come to the floor and participate.
The presiding speaker, Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), and Rules Committee chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) repeatedly declined the unanimous consent requests.
Democrats, with virtually no political power, are unlikely to get any amendments passed to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But they have several delay tactics as a minority party that can be used to stall a vote on the legislation, which Republicans are hoping to pass by July 4.
A source close to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) told the Washington Examiner that the leader is expected to speak for approximately one hour, what’s referred to as his “magic minute,” to blast the bill. During the House’s first passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in May, he spoke for approximately 40 minutes.
During the House Rules Committee meeting on Tuesday night, Democrats offered hundreds of amendments to be considered. None were adopted, and a vote on the procedural rule is expected to occur sometime on Wednesday. Final passage is expected as early as Wednesday afternoon.
While the Democrats’ delay tactic keeps the House from moving forward on debating or voting on the rule, it does give Republican members stranded at airports or in their home states due to weather in Washington time to arrive on Capitol Hill.
Eight Republicans and one Democrat did not vote Wednesday morning for a Democratic motion. Some were absent due to travel troubles, while others were at the White House meeting with Trump as he works to sway holdouts on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ PASSES OUT OF HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE WITH ROADBLOCKS AHEAD
Democratic leaders pushed for maximum attendance, and many lawmakers arrived at Capitol Hill despite undergoing procedures.
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) had eye surgery on Tuesday, according to reports. She told reporters she scheduled it for this week because the House was originally supposed to be in recess for the July 4 holiday. She also remains in a wheelchair from a recent knee surgery.
