The House turned back Democrats’ first effort to force a vote on creating an independent commission to look into Trump campaign dealings with Russia, with the GOP maintaining ranks to shoot down the aggressive maneuver.
Democrats tried to use a parliamentary tactic to force a vote on their idea for an independent commission, but were defeated on a 230-189 vote. Just one Republican defected from the GOP’s defense of President Trump.
Democrats earlier in the day introduced a bill that would establish an independent commission to look into Trump campaign figures’ activities.
“Our democracy has been left in ruins,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat who tried to force the issue.
The fight came as Republicans were trying to advance a bill imposing the death penalty on those convicted of killing police officers. Democrats sought to substitute their commission bill as the business before the House.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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