Many House Democrats have promoted specific local projects funded by a recent GOP-led appropriations bill even though most of the party voted against the package due to its failure to extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Lawmakers such as Reps. Josh Riley, Laura Gillen and Gabe Vasquez highlighted millions in grants for fire stations, health centers and rural projects. The situation revives criticism once summarized as “vote no and take the dough” and highlights tensions between party strategy and delivering resources to districts.
Democrats Promote Local Grants After Voting Against GOP-Led Funding Bill
Democratic Reps. Josh Riley and Laura Gillen, both of New York, have recently touted funding they voted against. (Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — Several House Democrats have publicly highlighted federal grants and local projects included in a recent government funding package even though a large majority of their party voted against the bill.
Overview
The House passed the funding measure last month by a 222-209 margin, with just six Democrats joining 216 Republicans in support. Most Democrats opposed the package not because of the individual spending lines but because it did not extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies that help keep insurance premiums lower — a dispute that contributed to a 43-day partial government shutdown earlier in the fall.
Members Spotlight Local Projects
Despite voting no, a number of Democrats have touted specific grants and projects in their districts that were included in the legislation.
Rep. Josh Riley (D-N.Y.) promoted three projects totaling $2.6 million: a new fire station in Guilford and two health centers in Margaretville and South Fallsburg. "It means Guilford’s volunteer firefighters will finally have a safe station to work from, families in Margaretville will have better access to care close to home, and South Fallsburg will get the permanent clinic it’s needed for years," Riley said, adding he will continue to push for resources for rural upstate New York.
Rep. Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.) posed with a ceremonial check outside a local firehouse after securing $938,000 for a fire truck for the Bellerose Village Fire Department during the FY2026 appropriations process. "I am delighted that this funding is now headed to Bellerose to help our first responders," she said.
Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) said he helped obtain more than $1.8 million for projects to boost rural economic activity and assist farmers in southern New Mexico. "This is about delivering real results for southern New Mexico," Vasquez said, noting his active role in pursuing federal dollars for district projects.
Other Democrats who highlighted funding secured for their districts after voting against the package include Reps. April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.).
Political Context
The practice echoes a long-standing charge — captured by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's shorthand “vote no and take the dough” — criticizing lawmakers who oppose legislation yet accept or promote money it delivers to their districts. That phrase resurfaced as Democrats publicized grants in a Republican-led bill.
Democratic leaders are more cautious. Rep. Pete Aguilar, the No. 3 House Democrat, said he had not seen widespread member-level promotion of the bill's grants and noted the Democratic conference has less visibility into where the current administration is directing grant funds than it did during the prior administration.
Republicans point to their relative unity in passing appropriations this year as a reason Democrats are now in the position of defending local projects included in GOP-led measures. "They've got nothing," said Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, criticizing Democratic messaging while asserting Republican ownership of the spending process.
What This Means
The episode illustrates a familiar tension in Congress: members balance party strategy and national policy disagreements with constituent service and local priorities. For many lawmakers, publicizing tangible benefits for their districts is a practical part of their job, even when they oppose a broader bill for policy reasons.
Note: This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
