While all eyes were on the election, two House Freedom Caucus members went rogue during Tuesday’s pro forma session to try to kill a widely-backed Social Security bill — and ambush their leadership again.
In a parliamentary maneuver, Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) asked unanimous consent to lay the Social Security Fairness Act on the table. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), who was presiding, didn’t object. House Republican leadership had no idea the HFC members would do this. It violates protocol for pro forma sessions.
The bill they tabled has 330 cosponsors and got enough discharge petition signatures to force a floor vote. HFC members have been grumbling about the successful effort. The legislation would repeal limits on the Social Security benefits that public workers or their spouses can qualify for if they also have government pensions.
GOP leadership is weighing what to do next.
