House Democrats pulled two bills from the floor schedule on Wednesday after President TrumpDonald John TrumpDOJ threatens executive privilege over Mueller report if Dems carry out contempt vote Trump touts ‘BIG FIREWORKS’ returning to Mt. Rushmore for July 4 Trump taps ex-State spokeswoman Heather Nauert to help oversee White House fellowships MORE tweeted his opposition and encouraged Republicans to vote against one of the measures.
Trump’s tweets heightened the possibility that the measures would be defeated on the floor, particularly since they were being considered under the suspension of House rules — and would have required two-thirds majorities for passage.
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Trump urged Republicans to vote against a measure that would end a legal challenge to the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe’s reservation in Massachusetts. Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenHillicon Valley: Dem bill would fine credit agencies for breaches | Facebook’s Sandberg meets senators on privacy | Baltimore hit with ransomware attack | Dems demand NSA update on surveillance program 2020 Dems take to Twitter to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day CDC says most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable MORE (D-Mass.), a presidential candidate who Trump has repeatedly feuded with, backs the bill and Trump used her support to press his party to oppose it.
“Republicans shouldn’t vote for H.R. 312, a special interest casino Bill, backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren,” Trump tweeted, using his derisive nickname for Warren. “It is unfair and doesn’t treat Native Americans equally!”
The measure would end a legal challenge to the tribe’s reservation that has been brought by opponents of its proposed casino. The proposed casino would be built by the Malaysian gaming conglomerate Genting.
The Department of the Interior reversed plans to reserve 321 acres for the tribe after a lawsuit was filed, according to The Cape Cod Times.
The measure backed by Warren also has GOP support in the House, but had drawn opposition from conservatives even before Trump’s tweet.
Critics of the bill have taken issue with Genting’s involvement in the casino.
“They have fronted the Mashpee tribe over $500 million, and it’s all about this casino in Taunton,” Rep. Paul GosarPaul Anthony GosarRepublicans offer ‘free market alternative’ to paid family leave GOP lawmaker attacks critic as ‘a little bitch’ on Twitter Overnight Defense: NATO chief urges US to support alliance on its 70th anniversary | Turkey rebuffs Pentagon pressure over Russia deal | Rand Paul, liberals team up to push Trump on Syria withdrawal MORE (R-Ariz.) said in an interview.
The second bill pulled from the schedule was backed by Rep. Tom ColeThomas (Tom) Jeffrey ColeRising debt imperils Trump, Dem hopes on infrastructure GOP distances itself from Trump’s ObamaCare attacks This week: Barr back in hot seat over Mueller report MORE (R-Okla.) and would have affirmed the federal government’s right to place land into a trust for a tribe’s benefit.
Democrats criticized Trump’s tweet and said they would consider the bill opposed by Trump and backed by Warren in a simple House vote next week that would not require a two-thirds majority.
They said they would still consider the Cole bill under suspension next week.
“The president he sent out a tweet, which was silly — I’m trying to use the kind of words I can use — it was the wrong thing to do,” House Majority Leader Steny HoyerSteny Hamilton HoyerThis week: Fight brews over Mueller testimony Dems see GOP effort to drive them to impeach Trump Anticipation builds for Mueller testimony MORE (D-Md.) told reporters.
Rep. Ruben GallegoRuben GallegoArizona Dems ask DHS to appoint ‘crisis coordinator’ at border Gallego tapped as national campaign chairman for Swalwell presidential bid Hispanic Caucus asks for meeting with top immigration official MORE (D-Ariz.) criticized Trump’s tweet given lobbying on the bill by Matthew Schlapp, who is married to White House director of strategic communications Mercedes Schlapp.
“With this tweet, President Trump is not only allowing special interest lobbyists like Matt Schlapp – who happens to be married to his staffer – to direct federal policy, but reinforcing the federal government’s ugly history of oppression towards Indian tribes,” Gallego said.
Matthew Schlapp, a lobbyist for Cove Strategies, is one of four lobbyists representing Twin River Management Group, which owns two casinos in Rhode Island.
Twin River has Cove Strategies on a $30,000 retainer and also retains Black Diamond Strategies and Locke Lord Public Policy Group, both at $30,000. Hans Klingler with Black Diamond Strategies, former chief of staff to former Sen. Connie Mack (R-Fla.), is another familiar lobbyist on retainer.
Alex Gangitano contributed.