Donald Trump's decision to choose Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to be his ambassador to the United Nations may have doomed multiple initiatives pushed by his administration in the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives.
According to a report from Politico, the House currently stands at a 218 Republicans to 215 Democrats majority that could shrink to 217 GOP members if New York Democrats have their way.
As Politico's Nick Reisman is reporting, New York State "lawmakers on Friday introduced a bill that would allow Gov. Kathy Hochul to schedule special elections under some circumstances until the November general election."
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With the bill expected to pass on Monday over GOP objections, Hochul has expressed approval and she could have a hand in handicapping House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) who is already struggling with his fractious caucus.
According to the report, Republicans are furious at the prospect of months with the seat sitting empty as the House attempts to forward Trump's agenda.
New York Senate Minority Leader Robert Ort complained, "These shameless Albany politicians can’t win on their disastrous policies like sky-high crime, out-of-control taxes, or an illegal migrant crisis they created, so they’re resorting to using Albany swamp tactics. The Senate Republicans are prepared to join any effort with the Trump administration to bring the hammer down on the brazen corruption in Albany.”
House Rep. Richard Hudson (R-VA) also expressed his disgust.
“The voters deserve to have a voice in Congress as soon as possible, any delay is a pure power grab by Kathy Hochul and Hakeem Jeffries to silence working families across Upstate New York," he stated.
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