Cybersecurity Markup Sparks Democratic Dissent

House Homeland Security Chairman Peter King (R-NY) had a small mutiny on his hands during a markup of cybersecurity legislation. Despite a noticeable absence of most of the Republicans on the committee, Chairman King repeatedly ruled that Democratic amendments failed on voice vote. That sparked derision from the minority, who were unimpressed with King's protests that he was following long-standing precedent.

"It can appear to be done in an arbitrary way, but we try to run the committee in a congenial way," Chairman King said. Democrats responded by calling for votes by division, only to have Republicans ask for recorded votes, which the committee delayed until more members of the committee were present. Later in the hearing King relented and allowed some Democratic amendments to pass on voice votes.