[Corin Stormhands]

If these idiots had shown up to that meeting, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Still, they did that at the request of the Speaker. They thought they could stop it on the floor of the House.

[cogitator]

They thought they could stop it on the floor of the House.

I read it differently (see post 31). I think Howell realized that the best-case scenario, once it was clear that public opinion was strongly favoring a budget deal, was to allow the "maverick" Republicans to make it work. The last place it could have been stopped was that committee hearing; he made sure that didn't happen.

[iceskater]

I know. I know. But that's what they get for thinking.