House GOP demotes NC member who defied leaders on trade vote, but lawmaker defends his choice

WASHINGTON – House Republican leaders have demoted another defiant colleague in their bid to impose party discipline on procedural votes.

Second-term Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina lost his subcommittee chairmanship shortly after Speaker John Boehner (BAY'-nur) expressed anger over rank-and-file Republicans voting against party-backed "rules" governing individual bills.

Such votes traditionally divide along partisan lines and are seen as matters of party loyalty.

Meadows was among 34 Republicans who voted against a recent rule that allowed consideration of "fast track" trade negotiating powers for President Barack Obama. GOP leaders support the bill.

House oversight committee chairman Jason Chaffetz (CHAY'-fits) of Utah said he alone decided to remove Meadows as chairman of the Government Operations Subcommittee.

Meadows said in a statement: "No one should be punished for voting their conscience and representing their constituents."