This was a vote on a resolution setting a time limit for debate and prohibiting amendments to legislation providing approximately $9 billion for infrastructure investment programs (programs intended to create jobs through the construction of things like roads and bridges) and $3.5 billion for employment assistance programs for low-income families. The measure also eliminated approximately $11 billion in tax breaks for U.S. companies with overseas operations. (As of press time, no official cost estimate for this bill had been released. Thus, these rough estimates for the measure’s expenditures were based on information made available from the committee that drafted the bill.)

Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) argued the underlying bill “creates and protects American jobs through increased investment in infrastructure and by closing tax loopholes that enable companies to move their operations offshore. This is another piece of legislation to add to the long list of bills that Democrats have passed this Congress to spur opportunities to support American jobs, American manufacturing, and American families. Democrats are helping Americans dig out of the worst recession in decades. “

Rep. Virginia Foxx criticized Democrats for prohibiting amendments to the bill, and also criticized the bill itself: “Although we've grown accustomed to this type of process under the reign of the current liberal Democrat majority, their arrogance and contempt for institutional integrity never ceases to shock and amaze us….Let's be clear about what this bill does…We are spending more of taxpayers' money on plans that will kill private-sector jobs. We know we have the largest deficit in history, and we need to stop this spending.”

The House agreed to the resolution by a vote of 233-182. 233 Democrats voted “yea.” All 169 Republicans present and 13 Democrats voted “nay.” As a result, the House proceeded to formal floor debate on legislation providing roughly $9 billion in infrastructure investment programs and approximately $3.5 billion for employment assistance programs for low-income families.