On the eve of his departure from Congress, Representative Ken Buck of Colorado made a notable decision, becoming the first Republican in the entire Congressional session to support a Democratic discharge petition.
This petition aims to compel a vote on a $95 billion foreign aid package designated for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
“We’ve got to fund Ukraine and help people who are yearning for freedom,” Mr. Buck emphasized to reporters, as his resignation from office takes effect on Friday.
However, despite Mr. Buck’s endorsement, the House clerk noted that his gesture only brings the number of signatories to 188, which falls 30 short of the required count. This shortfall is partially attributed to progressive Democrats who oppose aid to Israel, indicating they will not support the petition, as reported by Axios.
Nevertheless, according to House rules, Mr. Buck’s signature remains valid until his replacement is elected through a special election, a process expected to take more than three months.
The slim Republican majority in the House renders the party susceptible to discharge petitions, which compel a floor vote on measures that the majority leadership may prefer to withhold due to political or procedural considerations. The recent support from Mr. Buck highlights a crack in the party’s unity, which has hitherto ensured control of the House floor.
Mr. Buck’s final days in Congress have been marked by several points of contention with conservative colleagues. On Tuesday night, the House Freedom Caucus voted to expel the veteran member, just three days before his resignation would render such a vote moot.
