A) With the death of Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), the current breakdown in the House is 429 members. 218 Democrats to 211 Republicans. Six vacancies.
But as we say, it’s about the math.
Democrats can only lose three votes on their side and pass a bill without GOP assistance.
But as we say, it’s about the math.
Democrats can only lose three votes on their side and pass a bill without GOP assistance.
B) Members cannot be appointed to the House. Hastings death means a special election for that Democratic seat is months away. For instance, a special election to replace Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge won’t take place in Ohio until November.
C) But the Democratic margin is about to shrink further.
When the House returns next week, it will swear-in Rep.-elect Julia Letlow (R-LA). She takes the seat, won by her late husband Luke, who was never sworn-in, before dying from coronavirus last December.
When the House returns next week, it will swear-in Rep.-elect Julia Letlow (R-LA). She takes the seat, won by her late husband Luke, who was never sworn-in, before dying from coronavirus last December.
D) Once Letlow is sworn-in, the margin will be 218 Democrats to 212 Republicans. That means Democrats can only lose two votes on their side and pass a bill without Republican help. By rule, tie votes fail.
E) Hastings is the second member to die already this year. Rep. Ron Wright (R-TX) died from COVID over the winter.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
