House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) arrives at Capitol Hill news conference on Dec. 19, 2024.(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
House Democrats on Thursday coalesced around an operative phrase to describe their fervent opposition to Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) revised spending proposal: “Hell no.”
Why it matters: It’s a term House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) used in a closed-door meeting of his caucus to describe his position, according to four sources who were present for his remarks.
- Jeffries initially termed the bill “laughable” when walking into the meeting.
- Johnson plans to bring the bill up initially under a process that requires a two-thirds majority for passage, meaning the measure would need considerable Democratic support.
- GOP lawmakers told Axios to expect a vote Thursday night.
What we’re hearing: “Sounds like everyone is a Hell No,” one House Democrat who was in the room told Axios.
- Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), coming out of the meeting, said he is “beyond” hell no, telling Axios: “I’m an f- no.”
- One point that came up regarding the removal of restrictions on outbound investment to China was that billionaire Trump lieutenant Elon Musk stands to benefit, according to two sources in the room.
- Lawmakers also argued that raising the debt ceiling will help Republicans pass their planned tax cuts, sources said.
What’s next: Democrats are whipping against the measure, according to Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash).
