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House Republicans voted Tuesday to block Democrats from forcing votes on a series of oversight resolutions targeting President Donald Trump’s administration, Elon Musk’s business dealings, and the use of encrypted messaging platforms like Signal by top officials.
In a 216-208 party-line vote, the GOP-controlled House passed a procedural rule that halts any floor action on resolutions of inquiry through September 30. The measure, quietly inserted into an unrelated legislative rule on Monday, prevents Democrats from using a powerful parliamentary tool that compels the executive branch to disclose documents or information.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended the move as a safeguard against “political hijinks.”
“They showed us over the last four years, last eight years — they used lawfare, they used conspiracy theories, all these political weapons to just go after the president,” Johnson said. “That’s not what the American people voted for.”
The controversial maneuver comes as Democrats seek answers about multiple high-profile matters, including the Trump administration’s alleged use of unsecured communications and the influence of billionaire Elon Musk, whose business interests may intersect with national security decisions.
Among the key resolutions blocked was one by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) requesting records related to administration officials using Signal, an encrypted app, for official government communications. Another, from Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), sought records on U.S. military strikes in Yemen and whether classified information was shared via Signal with a journalist.
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), a Rules Committee member, attempted to strip the blocking provision from the rule but was defeated in a party-line vote.
“They’re scared,” Scanlon said. “Scared that the Secretary of Defense continues to use unsecure methods to discuss classified information. Scared of the economic damage caused by tariffs. And scared that the president is deporting people without due process.”
Democrats argue that Republican lawmakers are shielding the Trump administration from public scrutiny during its first 100 days back in power. GOP leaders, however, say the move is about streamlining the legislative process.
“Democrats are using this to clog things up,” said Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.). “We’re focused on reconciliation, on passing the Trump agenda. These resolutions are distractions.”
Some of the proposed resolutions also involved potential conflicts of interest tied to Elon Musk, whose companies — including SpaceX and Starlink — have deep ties to federal contracts. Musk has also become a vocal political player and adviser to the Trump administration.
A senior House Democratic aide said the rule change “cripples legitimate congressional oversight” and sets a troubling precedent.
Republicans have increasingly turned to procedural rules to block Democratic oversight efforts. Similar moves in recent weeks have prevented floor votes on repealing Trump-era tariffs and delayed Democratic efforts to force transparency on key administration policies.
Notably, Democrats themselves paused the use of resolutions of inquiry during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the need to focus on immediate public health responses.
As oversight tensions escalate, it remains unclear how — or whether — Democrats will be able to regain leverage in holding the Trump administration accountable without control of the chamber.
