'We got rolled by our own party': Republican rips GOP leaders for backroom deal
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) erupted at his own party Thursday after Republican leaders cut a backroom deal with Democrats that he says blocked GOP amendments to a sprawling $580 billion infrastructure bill.
"We got rolled by our own party and cut a deal with the Democrats. This is why we will be in the Minority," Burchett posted on X alongside a video of his rant after walking out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of the BUILD America 250 Act.
"Tim Burchett just left the committee, had some amendments that were cutting regulation, things that we should, as Republicans, do," the Tennessee Republican said, referring to himself in the video.
"Because of backroom deals they cut, they won't allow any amendments on the bill because the Democrats — or one Democrat — didn't agree to it."
The bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization was negotiated by Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA). Burchett blasted the arrangement as a betrayal of the GOP majority.
"So here we are in the majority, and we're not allowed to do that," Burchett said. "You all have extended us an incredible gift, and we're gonna blow it because we're not acting like we're in the majority."
He didn't mince words about Washington.
"This town is crooked as a dog's leg, and I'm disgusted," Burchett said. "At some point, we're gonna have to give some guts."
The deal didn't hold on to everything. The committee adopted a rail safety amendment from Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) over Graves' objection — with Graves voting as one of just 11 nays.
"BREAKING: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee just adopted my rail safety amendment to the BUILD America 250 Act," Nehls posted on X. "This is a major victory. The people of East Palestine have not been forgotten."
The amendment revives the long-stalled response to the 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio — a regulatory push that runs directly counter to the deregulatory amendments Burchett said leadership snuffed out.