"We’ll have the votes," Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., assured in the leadup to a vote to end a partial government shutdown. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)
Passing bills in the House is a challenge for Republicans with their narrow majority. What’s increasingly becoming even more problematic is a procedural vote known as the "rule." Adopting the rule to set the terms of debate is essential before bringing a bill to the floor. And conservatives who are upset with the GOP leadership are regularly converting what was a routine preliminary vote into a regular adventure.
"That’s where you’re going to see some friction," predicted Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., on Fox.
She was right. While there was drama passing the bill, the rule was a roller coaster.
GROUNDHOG DAY AND FRIDAY THE 13TH
Democrats said they would not help Republicans adopt the rule. They argued that the rule is the responsibility of the majority. It’s historically been that way in the House for decades.
"On rare occasion, have we stepped in to deal with Republican dysfunction," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
When the vote started, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was quick to vote no for the GOP.
It’s about the math. With the House at 218-214, Republicans could only adopt the rule with one defection if all Members voted. Two defections would produce a 216-216 tie. By rule, ties lose in the House.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., touted the "win" that is fully funding 96% of the federal government. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
"We have fully 96% of the federal government funded. So that's a that's a good win," bragged Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., more than four months after Congress was supposed to have funded everything.
But that remaining four percent is the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats demand changes at ICE before funding expires – on Valentine’s Day.
How do I love thee? Let me count the appropriations bills. 11 of the 12 are done. And unless lawmakers can craft an agreement, another shutdown looms, albeit just for DHS.
"A shutdown of Homeland Security. I'm okay with that," declared Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Penn.
A DHS-centric shutdown means no pay for TSA. And more volatility at ICE – even though its operations are funded through the Big, Beautiful Bill.
Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, had a message for DHS employees.
"You will be paid because this continues your pay. But the uncertainty – until we get this resolved – you must live with," warned Case.
PARTIAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ENDS AS DHS FUNDING FIGHT CONTINUES
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., is the top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee. He’s one of 193 Democrats who opposed the bill.
"This is an opportunity to demonstrate your opposition," said Thompson.
But former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., was one of those 21 Democrats who voted to re-open the government. He represents thousands of sidelined federal workers in his district not far from the nation’s capital.
"Today is a time to fund the majority of government for the American people," said Hoyer.
But negotiating an agreement on such a nettlesome issue in a week-and-a-half is nearly impossible in Congress. House and Senate Democrats will release their concrete demands Thursday. Republicans have their requests, too.
"I'm not willing to just give them every reform they ask for. Or even some without getting some reforms ourselves," said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.
Some Republicans want an end to sanctuary cities. Others want to include the SAVE Act.
Johnson called any attempts to keep other government agencies closed a "fool's errand," accusing Democratic colleagues of playing a "dangerous game." (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)
Republicans are suspect of the Democrats’ motives.
"If they have any intention of trying to keep these other agencies of government closed, it will be a fool's errand," said Johnson. "It's a very dangerous game that they're playing."
Jeffries declared he was a "hard no on a year-long CR (an interim spending plan)," for DHS. Jeffries reiterated that "the deadline is February 13th."
But is there realistically enough time to fix this?
"You can get to where you want to go if you have the will to get there," said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., the leading Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.
She added that there would be "a vote" of some sort related to DHS funding "on the 13th.
But time to get an agreement is dripping off the clock as Democrats still haven’t made specific, legislative requests.
"That’s an indication to me they’re trying to figure out what they need to do here," said Thune. "Trying to do this with a two-week deadline makes no sense here."
Thune added that he believes Democrats wanted to have a "political issue" for the midterms.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
So Valentine’s Day is the deadline for DHS funding. There’s nothing more romantic than a partial government shutdown. But don’t expect lawmakers to give each other Dove chocolate bars or boxes of Russell Stover.
Rather than trading legislative proposals, perhaps lawmakers can exchange candy hearts with specific requests emblazoned on the top of each one. Rather than "Be mine" or "Hug me," the hearts can say "No roving patrols" or "Voter ID."
Chad Pergram currently serves as Chief Congressional Correspondent for FOX News Channel (FNC). He joined the network in September 2007 and is based out of Washington, D.C.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/happy-valentines-day-little-love-air-uncertainty-swirls-hill