The Republican-led House passed an extensive veterans’ benefits package Wednesday without a recorded vote, shocking Democrats.
Using the fast-track voice vote tactic, Republicans quickly sent the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act to the GOP-led Senate.
Democrats were caught off guard, but Republicans say they neglected to request a roll-call vote.
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The package combines more than 60 separate bipartisan and veteran-related measures into a single bill covering healthcare, disability compensation, survivor benefits, caregiver support and Veterans Affairs operations.
When the Republican lawmaker presiding over the House brought the bill up for consideration, no Democrat requested a recorded vote, allowing the bill to pass instantly by voice vote.
Democrats were encouraged to vote against the bill by House Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts.
The Democratic Party opposed the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, arguing it would expand some veterans’ benefits by lowering disability compensation for some future veterans with sleep apnea and tinnitus.
Democrats accused GOP leaders of trickery, saying the measure passed while the ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and his staff were negotiating last-minute changes.
Rep. Mark Takano of California, the committee’s top Democrat, said he and his staff were “engaged in negotiations” about last-minute changes to the bill, which drew them away from the podium. The measure passed during that discussion.
“While these negotiations are going, they rammed through this vote,” Mr. Takano said.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Louisiana Republican, said the bill had “already passed” the House and Democrats had no grounds to reverse it.
Rep. Mike Bost, Illinois Republican and chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said Democrats were “asleep at the wheel” and neglected to request a roll-call vote.
No Democrat asked for the recorded tally “because of the treachery and trickery of the majority,” Mr. Takano said.
Mr. Scalise said that the only way to reverse the House vote would require a unanimous consent request.
Following the vote, the House went into recess, as Democrats explored their options.
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