This was a vote on a resolution setting a time limit for debate and determining which amendments could be offered to legislation providing approximately $67 billion for programs relating to transportation, housing, and urban development in 2011.

Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY) praised the underlying transportation, housing, and urban affairs legislation: “Included in H.R. 5850 [the transportation and housing bill] is $45.2 billion to improve and repair our Nation's aging highway infrastructure. The bill includes more than $11.3 billion for the Federal Transit Administration, which will support bus and rail projects, and an estimated 20,000 additional jobs for transit workers nationwide. This not only provides more transportation options to Americans during tough economic times, it also decreases traffic congestion, reduces our dependence on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions, and makes our roads safer for commuters.”

Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) argued that limiting amendments to the underlying bill was an example of the Democratic majority “moving in the direction of more restrictions, more control, less liberty, and less opportunity….By tradition, appropriations have been sacrosanct when it comes to the amendment process….But now it has tragically…become the norm for us to shut down the opportunity for the American people…to be heard through their elected representatives, denying both Democrats and Republicans alike the opportunity to participate.”

The House agreed to the resolution by a vote of 231-185. 231 Democrats voted “yea.” All 168 Republicans present and 17 Democrats voted “nay.” As a result, the House proceeded to formal floor debate on legislation providing roughly $67 billion for programs relating to transportation, housing, and urban development in 2011.