House Dems won’t whip budget vote

“The majority party will determine the outcome of the CR,” Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), chairman of the Democratic Caucus, said at a press conference in the Capitol. “Members in our caucus will vote their conscience. … There’s been no whip on that.”

{mosads}A vote is expected Thursday on the 2011 spending proposal, which was negotiated last week by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and the White House.

The proposal includes almost $40 billion in cuts — some targeting programs in education, health and other areas championed by Democrats — leaving House Democrats with the tough choice between opposing those cuts or supporting a president they’re hoping to return to the White House in 2012.

Larson on Tuesday indicated he’ll oppose the continuing resolution, but the vote is expected to split Democrats the way other temporary spending votes have in recent weeks.

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) implied Wednesday he’ll support the measure.

“I’m still looking at it and our members are still looking at it, but clearly we want to keep the government running,” Hoyer told CNN. “Clearly we needed to reach compromise, and I think the president and Mr. Reid tried to reach the best compromise that was possible.”

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) remains undecided, spokesman Nadeam Elshami said Wednesday.