Nine Republicans Team Up with Democrats to Block Two Bills

Republican Rebellion: Procedural Vote Fails

In a significant blow to House Republican leadership, nine GOP representatives sided with Democrats to defeat a procedural vote that was essential to advancing two major bills. As a result, House Republican leaders have canceled upcoming votes, throwing their legislative agenda into disarray. Megan Mendoza/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Critical Bills Blocked by Failed Vote

The two bills in question—the No Rogue Rulings Act and the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act—were both considered critical components of the Republican strategy to limit federal judicial power and tighten voter registration requirements. Their advancement was halted due to the failed rule vote, a direct result of internal GOP fractures. Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

Speaker Johnson Expresses Disappointment

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), who opposed the procedural measure on constitutional grounds, expressed his frustration with the outcome. “It’s a very disappointing result on the floor there, a handful of Republicans joined with all Democrats to take down a rule,” Johnson remarked. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Johnson: “That rule being brought down means… we will not be voting on the SAVE Act”

He further clarified the consequences: “Let me just make this clear: That rule being brought down means that we can’t have any further action on the floor this week. That means we will not be voting on the SAVE Act for election integrity.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Multiple Priorities Shelved

He also highlighted broader ramifications, stating, "We will not be voting on the rogue judges who are attacking President Trump’s agenda. We will not be taking down these terrible Biden policies with the CRA votes. All that was just wiped off the table. It’s very unfortunate. We’ll regroup and come back, and we’ll have to do this again.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images

Parallel Challenge: Luna's Remote Voting Initiative

Adding to the legislative tension, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) employed a rare discharge petition to bypass Republican leadership and force a vote on her proposal to allow remote voting for new parents. Luna emphasized the unusual bipartisan nature of her effort and noted Johnson’s earlier comment to her: “I know your heart’s in the right place.” Luna reportedly replied, “I hope you have good things to say about this.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY