For years, Democrats harshly criticized Republicans who voted against major government spending bills, only to later highlight federal dollars delivered to their districts. Democrats even mocked the practice with a phrase they loved to repeat: “vote no and take the dough.”
Now, during President Donald Trump’s second term — with Republicans controlling Congress — Democrats are doing exactly that.
Democrats Oppose Spending Bills, Then Claim Credit
Last month, a Republican-backed government funding package narrowly passed Congress and ended a 43-day shutdown that Democrats helped prolong. While Democrats largely opposed the bill over disputes related to Affordable Care Act funding, Republicans provided the votes needed to reopen the government and keep federal agencies running.
Yet once the bill became law, multiple House Democrats quickly began promoting federal funding flowing to their home districts — even though they voted against the legislation itself.
Several of these lawmakers represent politically competitive districts, where local funding announcements can carry significant weight with voters.
Swing-District Democrats Highlight GOP-Passed Funding
Freshman Rep. Josh Riley (D-N.Y.) voted against the spending bill but later issued a public statement celebrating $2.6 million in federal funding for three projects in his district, including a new fire station and two rural health care facilities.
Riley praised the projects as “urgently needed” and emphasized their importance for first responders and families — despite having opposed the bill that made the funding possible.
Similar announcements soon followed from other Democrats.
Bill Passes With GOP Votes
The funding package passed the House by a 222–209 vote, with 216 Republicans supporting it and only six Democrats voting yes. While Democrats acknowledged that many provisions were negotiated with bipartisan input, the majority still voted against the bill due to the absence of extended ACA subsidies.
After passage, however, Democrats across the country began promoting the spending provisions they once opposed.
Democrats Revive Pelosi-Era Double Standard
Ironically, this is the same behavior Democrats once condemned.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously attacked Republicans during the Biden administration for opposing massive spending bills like the American Rescue Plan while later highlighting federal funds sent to their districts.
Today, Democrats are following the same approach.
Rep. Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.) publicly celebrated nearly $1 million in federal funding for a fire truck in her district, while Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) praised more than $1.8 million in grants aimed at supporting farmers and rural economic development — despite voting against the funding bill.
Other Democrats, including Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), and April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), have similarly promoted funding wins tied to the same legislation.
GOP Calls Out Hypocrisy
Republicans say voters are noticing.
Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, accused Democrats of attempting to campaign on Republican accomplishments.
“They have no ideas to offer the American people and no accomplishments to run on,” Hudson said. “So it doesn’t surprise me.”
Hudson also noted the irony of Pelosi’s past criticism resurfacing now that Democrats are engaging in the same behavior.
Trump’s Second Term Reshapes Washington
The situation highlights a broader shift under President Trump’s second term. Despite a narrow House majority, Republicans have largely unified around spending legislation — reducing their reliance on Democratic votes and limiting Democratic leverage.
As a result, Democrats increasingly find themselves voting “no” in Washington while promoting “yes” outcomes back home.
Bottom Line for Voters
For conservative voters watching closely, the contrast is clear:
- Republicans passed the funding
- President Trump signed it
- Democrats voted against it
- Then took credit anyway
As the 2026 midterms approach, Republicans argue voters will remember who actually delivered results — and who merely tried to claim them afterward.