Congressional Republicans are again facing scrutiny for what is being described as their increasingly familiar political routine: fiery opposition followed by quiet surrender – especially when President Donald Trump is involved.
In a deep dive Thursday night, Politico spotlighted what it called “the GOP’s big fold.” The latest example was on full display in recent days as the House narrowly passed Trump’s massive spending bill. Just hours before the Republican victory, conservative hardliners blasted the Senate’s changes.
Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) called the bill “morally and fiscally bankrupt” a 6:50 p.m. Wednesday – but voted to advance it anyway by 3:20 a.m. Thursday, Politico reported. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) labeled the Senate amendments a “travesty,” yet also backed the bill before dawn.
They weren’t alone. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) vowed last week to oppose any Medicaid changes. He voted yes, too. Over the last six months, hardline Republicans threatened to tank a series of budget bills and resolutions – before ultimately backing them under Trump's pressure, the outlet noted.
“These reversals may be surprising, but they were not remarkable,” according to the Politico report. “It was par for the course for congressional Republicans who, in recent years, have shown a proclivity for taking bold, theatrical stands before meekly capitulating in the face of political pressure — particularly from President Donald Trump.”
Despite days of political posturing, House Republicans were ready to fall in line – just as they had so many times before, Politico pointed out. Around 3:15 a.m., with the bill on the verge of passing, the conservative holdouts – Self, Roy, and others – gathered in the House chamber’s center aisle for a smiling group photo.
The photographer was none other than House Speaker Mike Johnson, the report said.
“He just pulled out his camera and we took the picture,” Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO) said. “It was awesome.”
As Politico put it: “The Republican holdouts had ended their fight by getting together to strike a pose. It wasn’t difficult. After all, they had been posing all week.”