A three-week stopgap bill to keep the government operating past Friday easily cleared the House but only after Democrats stepped in to help Republicans cope with scores of defections on their right. The 271-158 vote Tuesday was a major warning sign for Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) who has prided himself on being able to control the flow of legislation but was suddenly vulnerable after losing 54 from his own ranks.
Eighty-five Democrats helped to make up the difference with passage never in doubt. But this is exactly the situation Republicans had hoped to avoid since it makes them beholden to the minority as they try to shape a final budget deal with the White House.
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