Citing AMT concerns, Blue Dogs revolt on procedural vote

Nearly 30 conservative Blue Dog Democrats voted with Republicans Monday night to defeat an effort by Democratic leaders to pass a resolution that would have allowed Congress to adjourn for the year at the end of this week.

By preventing the House from adjourning, Blue Dogs have in effect taken hostage, at least temporarily, their colleagues’ hopes to be home for Christmas to possibly use as a bargaining chip in tax relief talks.

{mosads}The surprise revolt sent jitters among Capitol staff who envisioned the less-than-merry prospect of staying in session past this week.

The conservative Democrats blocked their leadership’s attempt to prepare for adjournment after hearing rumors that the House would vote on the Senate’s version of an Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) relief bill later this week. Unlike two House-passed versions, the Senate-passed legislation would not offset the cost of tax relief with other tax increases, thus violating budget rules House Democrats adopted at the start of the year.

Earlier this month, 31 House Blue Dogs signed a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) insisting that AMT legislation comply with budget rules known as “pay as you go” or “PAYGO,” which require the cost of legislation be paid for. House and Senate Democratic leaders support paying for the AMT bill, but Senate Republicans refused to a relief measure with offsets.

A senior Democratic aide not aligned with the Blue Dogs argued that Monday’s action was intended to send a message to the Senate that it should a version of AMT relief paid for with corporate tax increases that passed the House recently. But Blue Dogs sent a clear message to House leaders as well: They may team up with Republicans to cause procedural havoc if their fiscal concerns are ignored.

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over taxes, said he did not think the Blue Dogs tactic would prove effective.

“I don’t see the connection between [the adjournment resolution] and an unpaid AMT,” said Rangel. “How would they get an AMT that’s paid for? By staying here?”

Rangel predicted the Senate would ignore the House AMT bill and leave town.

“I’m convinced the Senate’s going to go home. What happens after they go home?” he said.

But a senior House aide said that blocking the resolution would prevent the Senate from adjourning as well.

Rangel said the House may place the Senate AMT bill on the suspension calendar, a move that would allow it to receive speedier consideration but also requires the support of two thirds of the chamber for approval.

The Blue Dogs’ rebellion appears to have little support among other Democrats.

“As far as I’m concerned, the Blue Dogs can run the place on Christmas,” said Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.). “I’m going home.”

In total, 34 Democrats voted against the adjournment procedure, which failed 184-218.

Every House Republican opposes the motion except for Rep. Tim Johnson (Ill.).