House Democrats’ attempt to block a vote on a pro-life bill by walking out and denying a quorum backfired when Speaker Sherm Packard, anticipating the move, ordered the doors locked to maintain the quorum. NH Journal reports that with many Democrats excused or departed, Republicans expanded their working majority at the Bedford Sportsplex session.
A last-ditch attempt to stop a vote on an abortion-related bill left New Hampshire House Democrats locked out of the legislative process — literally — after they stormed out of session, leaving behind a (temporary) GOP supermajority. It was just one of many contentious moments at the House session held at the Sportsplex in Bedford on Wednesday. The day began with a photo of the 50,000 square foot venue distributed by House GOP leadership, demonstrating the wide spaces and social distancing available beneath the towering roof of the Sportsplex.
NH Journal
NH Journal notes the attendance numbers that widened the GOP edge.
According to an announcement at the beginning of the session, there were 24 Democrats with excused absences but just two Republicans — thereby expanding the narrow GOP majority in the House.
NH Journal
As Republicans won vote after vote, Democrats moved to leave, the outlet reports.
As Republicans won vote after vote, the frustration began to build. After a pro-life bill easily passed and another was moved forward in the schedule, Democrats decided they’d had enough. “The Democrats are going home now,” Democratic Leader Renny Cushing (D-Hampton) announced to Speaker Sherm Packard (R-Londonderry).
NH Journal
NH Journal explains the quorum rules at play.
Without a quorum of 199 members, the only motion in order is to adjourn the body.
NH Journal
The Speaker turned the move against the Democrats, according to NH Journal.
But Cushing miscalculated. By announcing the strategy, he gave Speaker Packard the ability to act. Packard, invoking his powers as Speaker to maintain a quorum, promptly ordered the doors lock
NH Journal
The walkout was meant to deny Republicans the quorum needed to keep voting, but anticipating the strategy, Packard moved to lock the doors and preserve it.
With many Democrats already excused or gone, the GOP’s working majority expanded, and Republicans continued advancing legislation through the Bedford session, NH Journal reports. The day had begun with leadership distributing a photo of the venue to highlight the spacing available.
The session featured a series of contentious moments before the walkout, which ended up strengthening the Republican position on the floor.
The locked doors kept the chamber in session as Republicans continued their work.
The walkout was meant to deny Republicans the quorum needed to keep voting.
With many Democrats already excused or gone, the GOP’s working majority expanded.
The day had begun with leadership distributing a photo of the venue to highlight spacing.
The session featured a series of contentious moments before the walkout.
Without a quorum of 199 members, the only motion in order is to adjourn.
The strategy backfired once it was announced on the floor, NH Journal reports.
Packard’s move to lock the doors preserved the quorum.
Republicans expanded their working majority and kept voting.
The walkout aimed to deny the GOP the votes needed to proceed.
The session featured several contentious moments before the exit.
Read the full story at NH Journal.
