The House will vote on the Boehner–White House spending deal this afternoon. Outside of the chamber, Republicans predict that the measure will pass, though numerous defections are expected, according to aides. One tells us that some members will likely watch the clock, waiting until Republicans hit 218, and then vote “nay.”
As the vote nears, Tea Party heroes within conference are spoiling for a last-minute rumble. Rep. Allen West (R., Fla.) tells reporters that House GOP leaders bungled the deal. “My leadership needs to sit down and have a ‘come to Jesus’ with [each other],” he says. “Character and integrity are important things with me. I like people to be upfront with me. Surprises are for birthdays. When you wake up, and all of sudden you look at the National Journal, and they say that it is really only $352 million in cuts, I don’t like that.”
West says the deal has led him to question the leadership’s early spin. “In the military they teach you that the first report is always kind of incorrect,” he says. “You have to go back and do your studying, you have to do your research and let the smoke dissipate.”
West, of course, will be voting against the measure.