Potential conservative rebellion fizzles

A procedural vote sailed through the House Thursday afternoon despite threats from conservatives to derail it in a show of solidarity with GOP lawmakers punished for voting against Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) as Speaker this week.

In a 244-181 vote, the House adopted a rule to set parameters for floor debate on a measure to redefine a full-time workweek under ObamaCare later Thursday, as well as a bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline on Friday. No Republicans opposed the rule.

{mosads}Standard House procedure requires members to adopt a rule before considering legislation that requires only a simple majority to pass. If a rule fails, the House cannot begin consideration of the underlying legislation.

Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), who supported Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) for Speaker instead of Boehner, urged fellow conservatives on Wednesday to oppose the rule after two fellow defectors were kicked off the House Rules Committee.

Florida Republican Reps. Dan Webster, who ran as an alternative candidate for Speaker, and Rich Nugent, who voted for Webster, were removed from the Speaker-selected panel Tuesday evening. The powerful committee decides how legislation will be considered on the floor and produces each rule.

“Two members taken off Rules Cmte yesterday after voting for a dif House speaker. Let’s all vote “NO” on all rules until they’re put back on!” Weber tweeted Wednesday.

Even Weber ultimately voted with all other Republicans to adopt the rule. The Texas Republican claimed Tuesday that he had also received retribution for voting against Boehner after original plans for him to introduce a noncontroversial bill this week regarding low-dose radiation research were canceled.

Nugent himself decided not to oppose the rule, citing a desire to debate the ObamaCare and Keystone bills.

“Thx for support, but Jobs & Keystone is more important to me than a committee slot. I’m voting Yes on Rule,” Nugent tweeted.

Webster similarly opted to advance ObamaCare and Keystone legislation he favors instead of joining any protest.

“Jobs are a lot more important than the committee,” Webster said off the House floor Thursday afternoon. “That’s very, very important legislation.”

Webster, who accrued 12 votes in the Speaker election, said he’d like to be reappointed to the House Rules Committee despite its reputation for wonkiness and long hours.

“It’s not like people flock to get on that committee,” Webster laughed. “It’s a rough time and it takes a lot of time. I do enjoy it, though.”