More procedural fighting on 1099 repeal

Republicans and Democrats on Thursday continued to fight every step of the way toward a vote on repeal of IRS reporting language, and near the end of the debate sparred over a Democratic motion to recommit the bill.

Democrats proposed the bill be sent back to the Ways and Means Committee with instructions to change language that, in the words of ranking member Sandy Levin (D-Mich.), would "cut taxes, end oil subsidies, and ensure more people have health insurance."

Republicans raised a point of order against the Democratic motion, based on arguments that it violates House rules because it would increase mandatory spending. Democrats had a chance to object, but Republicans argued that three successive Democratic speakers failed to specifically address the point of order, and instead touted the benefits of changing the legislation.

Levin acknowledged that House rules make it difficult to write motions to recommit that are germane, and asked Republicans several times to let Democrats be heard. But after several objections from Ways and Means Chairman David Camp (R-Mich.), acting Speaker Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) rules that the GOP point of order is sustained.

Emerson made this ruling just before Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) asked to speak, and in doing so shut down Weiner before he could defend the Democratic proposal.

The Republican point of order was upheld in a mostly party-line 243-181 vote. After that vote, Emerson reminded all members that when discussing points of order, members must address the technical aspect of a points of order, not the underlying bill.