This was a vote on a motion to recommit that would have authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue to enforce regulations protecting vulnerable children (such as those with asthma) and seniors from air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels. A motion to recommit with instructions is the minority's opportunity to torpedo or significantly change a bill before a final up-or-down vote on the measure. This motion to recommit was offered to legislation that prohibited the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) urged support for a motion to recommit: “...I am gravely concerned that H.R. 910 [the underlying bill] will threaten the health and safety of our most vulnerable Americans. There's a clear connection between air pollution and respiratory diseases, and the motion I'm offering makes sure that our children can lead healthy lives. Asthma is an especially serious threat to America's children. This problem is national in scope, but my home state is uniquely affected. I'm honored to represent part of California's San Joaquin Valley, but, unfortunately, the air quality is a persistent challenge in our communities. In fact, as many as one in five children in the valley have been diagnosed with asthma. My own son and daughter developed the condition when they moved to an area of California's Central Valley with hot temperatures and poor air quality. I know from personal experience how vitally important it is to make sure our kids have fresh, healthy air.”

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) opposed the motion to recommit: “I would remind my colleagues, this is a procedural vote. H.R. 910 [the underlying bill] does not impact asthma….If you care about jobs, you are going to vote `yes' on the bill. If you care about not increasing gas prices beyond $4, where they are in much of the country today, you will vote for the bill, which means you ought to vote `no' on the motion to recommit and `yes' on final passage.”

The House rejected this motion to recommit by a vote of 175-251. Voting “yea” were 175 Democrats, including a majority of progressives. All 237 Republicans present and 14 Democrats voted “nay.” As a result, the House rejected a motion to recommit that would have authorized the Environmental Protection Agency to continue to enforce regulations protecting vulnerable children (such as those with asthma) and seniors from air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels.