House Democrats Experience Internal Conflicts Before Midterm Elections

<p>The House's last in-session week before the midterms was marked by private disagreements among House Democrats following several high-profile rebellions.</p><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>This dynamic may intensify if Democrats regain control of the House, which is expected to see an influx of independent lawmakers, particularly from the left.</p><hr /><ul><li>There is discussion among members regarding the ability of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to manage members compared to his deputy, Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), according to two House Democrats.</li><li>One lawmaker, speaking anonymously, noted: "People are talking about 'mom and dad'. … Dad is soft."</li><li>Another House Democrat remarked, "If this is happening in the minority, are you prepared for what will happen in the majority?"</li></ul><p><strong>Jeffries stated, </strong>"There is no daylight between the three of us," during a Thursday press conference with Clark and Democratic Caucus chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.).</p><ul><li>He added, "We'll address the situation when we address the situation."</li><li>A Democratic leadership aide indicated that all actions taken by Jeffries' deputies are coordinated with him and do not signify a rift among leaders.</li></ul><p><strong>Driving the news: </strong>Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) provided Republican leadership with necessary votes to advance a package of GOP bills, including a Russia sanctions bill opposed by Democratic leaders.</p><ul><li>This marked the second time in the month that the two centrists diverged from leadership on a procedural vote, despite earlier public threats of punishment from Clark and Jeffries.</li><li>A fourth House Democrat commented, "People thought the first time was a mistake. The second time is defiance," suggesting the two "operate like they are above the caucus."</li><li>Clark and Jeffries engaged Gluesenkamp Perez in a discussion on the House floor during the vote, which sources indicated was related to her defection.</li></ul><p><strong>The rebellion followed </strong>Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) forcing a vote on impeaching President Trump without leadership support.</p><ul><li>This vote frustrated many House Democrats, who believed Green was complicating the party's message during a critical week.</li><li>Jeffries and Clark voted "present" along with 44 other Democrats, while 147 supported Green and 18 voted with Republicans to dismiss the impeachment effort.</li><li>Leadership's neutrality on this vote also drew criticism, with a fifth House Democrat stating, "Our constituents don't send us here to be 'present.' They send us here to use our judgment."</li></ul><p><strong>What they're saying: </strong>Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of OurRevolution, remarked that Jeffries "never seems to have this much trouble figuring out what to do when progressives are in his sights."</p><ul><li>He added, "You cannot demand discipline from progressives while treating defections to the right as an unsolvable procedural dilemma."</li><li>Rep. Analilia Mejia (D-N.J.) noted that progressives face criticism for being "too ideologic and bold on our ideas," questioning the lack of similar scrutiny on centrists who deviate from party lines.</li><li>Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson for the left-wing Justice Democrats, stated, "Leadership is threatening a Democratic majority in November by refusing to stand up to the corporate Democrats aiding and abetting Republicans' agenda."</li></ul><p><strong>What we're hearing: </strong>Clark is also facing backlash from moderates for her comments directed at Gluesenkamp Perez.</p><ul><li>Clark indicated that "it's team players who should sit on exclusive committees," which was interpreted as a reference to Gluesenkamp Perez's position on the Appropriations Committee.</li><li>A sixth House Democrat expressed concern, stating, "Katherine Clark just declared on moderate Democrats, which is a risky move for leadership going into a potentially tight majority."</li><li>Jeffries has been more reserved, repeatedly stating he will "have more to say about the situation when I have more to say about the situation."</li></ul><p><strong>Much of the frustration </strong>is directed at Golden and Gluesenkamp Perez, with some criticism coming from their fellow centrists.</p><ul><li>A seventh House Democrat remarked, "Everyone in the caucus is sick of the bullshit. Everyone has their ... number," indicating widespread dissatisfaction.</li><li>A senior House Democrat warned, "Marie is playing with fire," suggesting that Gluesenkamp Perez's committee appointment could be at risk for the next session.</li></ul><p><strong>The other side: </strong>Gluesenkamp Perez stated, "I don't worry about that kind of stuff. I will always vote my District and let others play inside DC politics games."</p><ul><li>Golden added, "I'm a Mainer and an American. I'm also a proud Democrat, but that team is a distant third."</li></ul><p><strong>The bottom line: </strong>"Members have concerns about those who are not team players," a ninth House Democrat stated, adding that "next year is the best time to address it."</p><ul><li>Golden, who is retiring, cautioned his colleagues: "Be careful what you wish for. Next time, it could be you facing punishment for putting your constituency or our country ahead of the party."</li></ul>