Government - What should be done about the controversy surrounding a House of Representatives vote ?

Government - What should be done about the vote?

On August 2, 2007 the House of Representatives became dysfunctional.

At around 11:00 pm ET, the House was taking a very close vote on a GOP measure that would essentially bar any Agriculture Department monies from being spent to the benefit of illegal immigrants.

The Speaker pro tempore (the person presiding over the debate), Rep. Mike McNulty (D), gaveled the vote closed in favor of Democrats when the tally board in the chamber indicated that Republicans had won by one vote 215 - 213. The recorded roll call vote 814.

Next, after the gavel had fallen, Stockton, California Freshman Democrat Jerry McNerney (CA-11) changed his vote to oppose the motion, and even though the vote was closed, they allowed the outcome to go the other way. There was a great protest which continued into the next several days.

On August 3, 2007, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, admitted the controversy, but said the vote would stand.

This vote is under investigation. Look into the issues. How should the matter have been resolved?

Read the editorial: Mad House Washington Times 8/4/07.

CSPAN - videos - Reps. Steny Hoyer & John Boehner House Floor Remarks (8/3/2007),
House Floor Debate on Agriculture Bill (8/2/2007), Search for Washington Journal 8/4/07

Special committee to examine contested House vote Washington Post, August 4, 2007

Chaos Follows Controversial House Vote The Politico August 3, 2007

Republicans Angry Over House Vote - Andrew Taylor, The Associated Press, August 3, 2007

House Democrats Fail Democracy 101 | House to probe late-night vote - Chicago Tribune

A Raucous Caucus - by Mark Murray First Read Politics MSNBC, August 03, 2007

National Constitution Center - Interactive Constitution

Government - Evaluate your Senator or Representative | eGovernment expectations and evaluations | Civil Rights - What are yours?

Government Integrity - The Power of Facts from the Web | Youth voter campaign | Pensions for convicted lawmakers

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Updated 10/2010, posted 8/2007 In the spirit of Thomas Paine - released to public domain by Cynthia J. O'Hora

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