Thread: Voting: House Democrats Weigh Changes to Caucus Rules After Defections

House Democrats Weigh Changes to Caucus Rules After Defections

Sept. 2, 2026, 11:20 AM PDT

Ken Tran, Reporter

Maeve Sheehey
Reporter

Rachel Schilke
Congress Reporter

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) at a hearing on July 14, 2026.
Photographer: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

House Democrats are considering new rules for their caucus after the surprise defections of two members on a procedural vote Tuesday.

The House Democratic Committee on Caucus Rules met Wednesday to discuss votes by Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) in support of the GOP’s legislative agenda. The panel discussed rule changes but said any discipline of the members would have to come from leadership.

“There’s been a variety of suggestions to change our rules not just regarding the last couple days but several suggestions that have been percolating for some time,” Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.), chair of the committee, said. “There’s been a robust conversation about members dues, about attendance, things like that, what is required to be a member in good standing, these are not new issues.”

The situation has roiled the caucus and has raised questions about how Democratic leaders will keep their party in line if they win control of the chamber next year.

“What happened yesterday, there were many people that were caught off guard, and that’s part of the conversations that we’re having,” Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.), a member of the committee, told reporters Wednesday. “Right now, we’re just listening to what everybody has to say about the future of our caucus.”

Golden is retiring at the end of this Congress and Gluesenkamp Perez is running for reelection in one of the most competitive races this cycle. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will continue to support Gluesenkamp Perez, according to a person familiar with the group’s thinking.

In weighing a response, Democratic leaders will have to balance the need to shore up party discipline with their desire to hold Gluesenkamp Perez’s seat as they seek to win control of the House in the midterms. They are under pressure from caucus members who are angry with what they saw as a betrayal.

Disciplinary action typically includes stripping members of committee assignments, though Gluesenkamp Perez, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Wednesday she was undeterred.

“If that’s what they feel they need to do, it’s not going to change” how she represents her district, she said.

So much for the idea that Congressional Members may VOTE as they wish or in support of their constituency..

From the article:
The House Democratic Committee on Caucus Rules met Wednesday to discuss votes by Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) in support of the GOP’s legislative agenda. The panel discussed rule changes but said any discipline of the members would have to come from leadership ...

Disciplinary action typically includes stripping members of committee assignments ...