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Busted computer hamstrings House

A busted computer system hamstrung the House (video link courtesy Breitbart.tv) for at least 45 minutes Friday on one of the tensest legislative days of the year.

The House electronic voting system malfunctioned at approximately 2 p.m. as lawmakers began a vote on a procedural motion sponsored by Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.). Projectors that usually display how each member voted and show a tally of votes were not working, although votes were still being recorded on computers at various locations in the House chamber.

The mishap came during the final two days of legislative activity before a month-long recess, a time when tensions run high as lawmakers grind out last-minute agreements on a bevy of bills. Many lawmakers were already agitated from a rancorous episode last night when Rep. Michael R. McNulty (D-N.Y.) gaveled closed a vote before the tally was clear. McNulty apologized to his colleagues this morning.

The broken computers prompted protracted squabbles among lawmakers Friday afternoon. Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.) questioned how they could vote if they were unable to see the usual tally. Lawmakers are accustomed to seeing how their colleagues are voting while they mull their own decision.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said he had consulted with a House technical expert who advised that the system be taken down for 30 minutes to fix the problem. He suggested vacating the vote and revoting once the system was fixed. Dreier and Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) would not agree to this plan.

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) stepped in and suggested that lawmakers simply compare the vote tallies from the computers posted around the chamber and if they all agreed, finish the vote.

"We know that we're gonna get beat!" he exclaimed, clearly exasperated at the lengthly debate.

At last, House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) stepped in and agreed to vacate the vote while technicians powered down the system. The House now stands in recess.

Phew!