House Dems outvote GOP to keep government open again

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and his members have provided the majority of votes on every short-term extension to prevent a government shutdown since last fall. Photo via Getty Images

👋🏾  Hi, hey, hello! Welcome to Once Upon a Hill. I’m Michael Jones. Thanks for spending part of your evening with me. Happy leap day!

It’s Thursday, February 29, where the House wrapped up its two-day work week by passing a short-term funding patch to avoid a weekend government shutdown. The Senate passed it moments ago. The measure now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. 

Members also approved a reauthorization of federal aviation programs through May, an underrated big deal considering all the airplane mishaps you’ve probably heard about in recent months.

In tonight’s edition, candid thoughts from House Democrats about delivering the votes on every continuing resolution Congress has passed to prevent a government shutdown—despite Republicans holding the majority.

I also spoke with several House Dems to gauge their level of frustration with the tax bill they passed earlier this month stalled in the Senate due to Republican reservations about some of its provisions.

My final notebook item is full of reactions from New York Democrats on the $1 billion gift a wealthy widow donated to a Bronx medical school.

It’s also the last day of Black History Month. Jeffries, the first Black leader of a major party in either chamber of Congress had a full 29 days, including:

• a convening of the Divine Nine leadership to discuss how Black Greek letter organizations can uplift traditionally underrepresented communities throughout the US;

• a celebration with the Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus to celebrate the creation of a Harriet Tubman commemorative coin.

• events with Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) in Columbus to celebrate local changemakers and Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) in Birmingham for a chat with students from Miles College, an HBCU.

• a discussion with his brother and historian Hasan Jeffries about the role of Black art, music and culture in American history.

Sticking with New York congressmen, a lighthearted moment from this morning: Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), who won back his seat in a special election in New York’s 3rd congressional district to replace the expelled former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), on his way to the House Democratic Caucus meeting asked the assembled press corps, “Is this [HVC room] 215?” a reference to the location of the weekly get-together. I’ve had to ask my fair share of similar questions while navigating the humongous Capitol building.

Once inside the room, Suozzi was met with boisterous applause. No doubt he’s beloved within the caucus by those who previously served with, but he also represents one less vote for House Republicans to advance their unpopular agenda.

“The people of New York's Third District are finally getting what they deserve: a problem solver who is ready to deliver and to defend the freedoms of working families,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) told reporters this morning. 

Relatedly, Jeffries announced Suozzi will serve on the House Homeland Security Committee. He previously served on the coveted Ways & Means Committee during his first spin around the congressional block. But not only is the panel full, there’s also a waiting list. (Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) stepped down from her Homeland Security post to make room for Suozzi.)

I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be joining esteemed astrologer Wade Caves in late March for a virtual exploration of the US legislative scene. Caves will contribute the astrological story to the discussion. The event is part of the World Astrology Summit and I’ll be in great company so I hope you buy a ticket. (When you register for the event, you’ll be asked how you heard about the event. Put my name in the field if you’d be so kind.)

And finally, we’re in a brutal moment for the journalism industry. Over 500 of my colleagues were laid off in January alone. And the cuts seem to just keep coming. I spoke to several lawmakers on the Hill about it this week for my weekly COURIER column: “The journalism business is under siege. Should Congress step in to turn the tide?”

If you can, support local journalism. Support independent journalism too. And extend grace to reporters, even those with whom you disagree and think should be held to account because most of us are doing the best we can in less-than-ideal conditions as our democracy hangs on the brink.

Thank you for being you,

Michael

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