But the win was short-lived. In an unusual move, the House Republican leadership brought the amendment back up for a second vote the next day. Although it's rare for the Speaker of the House to vote, Newt Gingrich voted against the amendment both times, and the second time the timber industry managed to walk away with a 211-211 tie, meaning the amendment failed. This year, Reps. Porter and Kennedy plan to offer their amendment to the FY1998 Interior Appropriations bill, which is expected to be on the House floor around July 10th. The vote is again expected to be a cliff-hanger.
Every vote is a BIG vote.