House holds longest vote in modern history as Democrats struggle for unity

The House is currently holding what has become the chamber’s longest vote in modern history, as Democrats struggle to pass their sweeping social spending bill.

A vote on a motion to adjourn was offered by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), shortly after 8 a.m., meaning the vote has been held open for roughly five hours so far.

Usually, individual roll call votes in the House don’t last for more than an hour.

A congressional aide confirmed to The Hill on Friday afternoon that the active spending bill vote is now the longest chamber vote in modern history. Previously, the longest vote was held for nearly three hours in 2003, over Medicare Part D. 

The holdup comes as Democrats struggle to unite on passing the spending plan amid pushback from centrist lawmakers, who are demanding a full Congressional Budget Office analysis of the bill.

Leaders have said it will take days for the report to be released.

Shortly before noon, Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) requested that the vote on the motion to adjourn be called, but was rebuffed by Democrats.

“Anyone who is up watching C-SPAN at this hour wonders what in the heck the House is doing right now,” Burgess said.