Marlin Stutzman Claims He Was Hoodwinked
After the “cromnibus” passed Thursday night, Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., made the rather shocking claim that GOP leadership convinced him to vote for the rule allowing the bill to get to the floor by telling him they were pulling the bill anyway.
“Earlier today, I supported the Rule because I was informed by Leadership that the CROmnibus was dead and a short term CR would take its place,” Stutzman said in a news release. “I was very surprised and even more disappointed to see the CROmnibus back on the floor. The American people deserve better.”
The rule passed the House Thursday 214 to 212 after Stutzman and Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, R-Mich., both switched their votes from ‘Nay’ to ‘Yea.’
Had Stutzman not switched, it’s unclear if the bill would ever have come to the floor, or passed hours later. Stutzman’s claim that he was told the bill was being pulled is consistent with information CQ Roll Call heard earlier in the afternoon. Leadership aides denied anything like this had taken place.
Related:
After Hours of Uncertainty, House Passes ‘Cromnibus’
Obama, Hoyer Split With Pelosi on ‘Cromnibus’ (Video)
Lacking Sufficient Support, House GOP Leaders Delay ‘Cromnibus’ Vote
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