IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Instead of Looking Out for NY-23, Congressman Reed Busy as Boehner Enforcer
If anyone needed further proof that Congressman Tom Reed has fallen in with the Washington establishment and forgotten Western New York, The Hill reported today that Reed’s been busy carrying out John Boehner’s orders in Washington. Reed’s time would be better spent listening to his own constituents, but it’s not at all surprising given he had no problem throwing local charities under the bus in New York to back Boehner’s reckless budget in Washington.
ICYMI: House Republican says he’s victim of retaliation by GOP leaders
The Hill
By Scott Wong
July 14, 2015
Freshman Rep. Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) says he’s the latest GOP lawmaker to face retaliation for bucking leadership last month and opposing a key procedural vote on major trade legislation.
In a letter obtained by The Hill, Mooney questioned why Rep. Tom Reed (R.N.Y.) deliberately excluded him as a co-sponsor of a bill to help Medicare-eligible diabetes patients gain coverage for glucose monitors.
“I understand that you and other supporters of the [diabetes bill] are concerned about having me as a cosponsor because I voted against … the rule on the Trade Promotion Authority legislation last month,” Mooney wrote in the letter. “I think it is important that Members of Congress be allowed to vote with their conscience without it negatively impacting our ability to work together.
Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) all received copies of the letter as well.
The reason Reed may not want Mooney as a co-sponsor on his diabetes bill: GOP leaders have put out the word that legislation might not move to the floor if they’re co-sponsored by Republicans who’ve worked against leadership in the past.
Mooney was one of 34 Republicans who voted against a Boehner-backed rule in June — a move that nearly derailed the trade package.
Boehner and other leaders were furious at the rebels. Three lawmakers were booted from the GOP whip team for voting against the rule. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) was stripped of his subcommittee gavel, though he later got it back after an outcry from conservatives.
Reed’s office had no immediate response to the letter.
Outside groups called on Boehner and his allies to end the punishment of conservative lawmakers.
“Speaker Boehner’s apparent directive to prevent conservatives from co-sponsoring bills that would help their constituents is just the latest example of a failing leadership team,” said David Bossie, president of the conservative group Citizens United. “I urge Congressman Reed to reconsider this petty act of retaliation over a vote of conscience.”