A fascinating cast of characters is joining forces to use the same procedural tactics deployed to force a vote on releasing the Epstein Files, only this time to force a vote on a measure to ban members of Congress from trading stocks. Florida GOP Rep Anna Paulina Luna has gone around House Speaker Mike. Johnson, in a bid to force a vote..
The bill has been supported by members ranging from progressives like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to Tennessee Republican Rep. Burchett.
Via The Independent:
“Hell’s frozen over,” Burchett told The Independent about the oddball coalition.
Under the rules of the House of Representatives, a member can file a discharge petition on legislation to force a vote on their legislation as a way to get around Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and hold a vote. Once the petition receives enough signatures, they are locked in.
Afterward, seven legislative days must pass. Then Johnson must designate a time and place for the vote.
Ocasio-Cortez expressed hope it could pass.
“I hope that everyone signs it and that we can get this done,” AOC told The Independent.
Burchett said that he expects Johnson to use procedural tricks. “It’s just a game, just a game,” he told the outlet. “But I, you know, I think America wants us to pass this.”
