1) In memo, Capitol Attending Physician Monahan/House Sergeant at Arms Irving lay down the law for how House members should handle themselves tomorrow’s coronavirus debate/vote
2) They are encouraging members to remain in their offices until they vote. They are discouraging those “who are ill with respiratory symptoms or fever” from attending.
3) It is believed the Hse's coronavirus vote takes place
via a “voice vote.” That’s a verbal exercise where those in favor shout yea. Those opposed holler nay. The loudest side prevails.
via a “voice vote.” That’s a verbal exercise where those in favor shout yea. Those opposed holler nay. The loudest side prevails.
4) However, any mbr may call for a roll call vote. f there IS an actual roll call vote, they are dividing the members into 16 groups of 30 members apiece in which to file into the chamber “to minimize the risks posed by placing too many individuals in one location.”
5) They will also eliminate two of the six lecterns in the House chamber from which members may speak. They are asking members to keep away from each other inside the House chamber.
6) They are also asking each member to clean the lectern themselves after they speak. They are also restricting access to the Capitol at what was described by Fox as a “State of the Union” style posture. Limited personnel. No extra aides. Only one or two persons in the elevators.
7) A member of the House GOP leadership tells Fox they are working with one member in particular on their side who may want a vote. But we don’t know which member it may be. The GOP brass is trying to discourage that mbr from calling for a roll call vote
8) Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) threatened to force a roll call vote last week on the “fix it” legislation for the phase two coronavirus package. But Gohmert relented
9) Gohmert's office: "Mr Gohmert has already returned, is..reviewing the bill..but is informed that..unanimous consent is not going to be attempted with this bill. He will be on the floor..tomorrow & will be guided by his review of the bill itself in deciding which way to vote."
10) Fox also reached Rep. John Rose (R-TN) by telephone this afternoon as he was driving back to Washington, DC for tomorrow’s vote. Rose was one of three GOPers who objected last year and blocked emergency disaster aid after hurricanes and flooding.
11) Rose said he was okay with a voice vote on the coronavirus bill but was opposed to approving the measure via unanimous consent.
It is unknown how many members may actually show up. tomorrow
It is unknown how many members may actually show up. tomorrow
