GOP scores procedural win by securing more funding to enforce Iran sanctions

House Republicans on Wednesday scored a procedural victory by successfully amending a spending bill to include language that would increase funding to strengthen Iran sanctions.

Thirty-seven Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the motion to commit to change the bill, led by Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ga.), adding an additional $10 million for the Treasury Department’s Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. The motion passed in a 226-195 vote.

“In yet another example of deep divisions among House Democrats, 37 of them just broke with their leadership to pass the Republican Motion to Recommit to increase the enforcement of sanctions on Iran,” Lauren Fine, a spokeswoman for House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), said in a statement.

“It’s clear that even these 37 Democrats acknowledge their party’s Iran appeasement stance is wildly out of step with the views of the American public,” she added.{mosads}

Democratic Reps. Cindy Axne (Iowa), Anthony Brindisi (N.Y.), Gil Cisneros (Calif.), Angie Craig (Minn.), Charlie Crist (Fla.), Jason Crow (Colo.), Joe Cunningham (S.C.), Antonio Delgado (N.Y.), Abby Finkenauer (Iowa), Jared Golden (Maine), Vicente Gonzalez (Texas), Josh Gottheimer (N.J.), Josh Harder (Calif.), Kendra Horn (Okla.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.), Andy Kim (N.J.) and Conor Lamb (Pa.) all bucked party leadership in supporting the motion.

Other Democrats who voted for it included Reps. Susie Lee (Nev.), Daniel Lipinski (Ill.), David Loebsack (Iowa), Elaine Luria (Va.), Tom Malinowski (N.J.), Sean Patrick Maloney (N.Y.), Ben McAdams (Utah), Lucy McBath (Ga.), Stephanie Murphy (Fla.), Collin Peterson (Minn.), Max Rose (N.Y.), Brad Schneider (Ill.), Kurt Schrader (Ore.), Kim Schrier (Wash.), Mikie Sherrill (N.J.), Elissa Slotkin (Mich.), Abigail Spanberger (Va.), Xochitl Torres Small (N.M.), Jefferson Van Drew (N.J.) and Susan Wild (Pa.).

Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) advocated for amending the bill ahead of the vote, making the case that Treasury’s anti-terrorism office could play an important role in pushing back on Iran’s aggression amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

“This office plays a key role in countering our most critical national security threats by implementing sanctions. As a Green Beret, I have fought in the war on terror and can tell you that this office is vital to the safety of our nation and preventing war,” he said during debate. 

“In light of our current threats, this office requires an additional $10 million to accomplish its goals. This motion will implement sanctions policy towards Russia, North Korea, ISIS and particularly the Iranian regime,” he added.

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) pushed back, arguing that the Republican motion was hypocritical for GOP members to put forth because members of the party supported amendments that would have made cuts to the account. He pointed to an amendment offered by Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.).

“How in the world can we take your MTR seriously?” he said on the floor, referring to the motion to recommit.

“Just a few moments ago on an amendment proposed by Mr. Banks from Indiana, you voted yes on two amendments that would cut this account by 14 percent, a cut of $23.5 million.” 

But despite Quigley’s pushback, Democratic leadership members were unable to whip enough lawmakers against the last-minute change.

Republicans have repeatedly utilized the procedural tool in an attempt to highlight divisions within the Democratic caucus. The passage of Wednesday’s motion marks the third time this year they’ve successfully picked off enough members across the aisle to make last-minute changes to a bill.

Top GOP lawmakers are looking to use the strategy to place moderate Democrats up for reelection next year in swing districts in a difficult position.

Republicans had their first success with the procedural move in February when they amended a bill on Yemen to include language condemning anti-Semitism.

Shortly after, they also managed to amend Democrats’ landmark gun control bill to include language requiring that Immigration and Customs Enforcement be alerted if an immigrant without legal status tries to purchase a firearm.

Following the passage of the second motion, Democratic leaders attempted to crack down on members splitting with the party on the procedural votes, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) warning would-be defectors that Democratic resources are best reserved for those who vote with the party, according to multiple media reports.

Meanwhile, three Republicans — Reps. Justin Amash (Mich.), Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Don Young (Alaska) — voted against the motion Wednesday.