The House floor is the wrong place to get your amendment adopted.

My Republican colleagues proposed nearly a dozen amendments to several bills today.

All failed on party line votes.

This process applies to liberal causes as well.

An advocate asked me last night to vote for floor amendments that would strengthen climate bills.

I tried to say “no” in a nice way.

Why is this the case?

If other members support your committee’s work product, then you do the same.

What are your options?

Try to get your amendment adopted by the committee before the bill is reported to the floor.

If you’re a Republican, make it known that voters in purple districts will be reminded of members’ votes on Election Day.

In those rare instances where a controversial bill doesn’t have the votes to pass, trade.

An amendment, a bill, or a capital project in your district are the coin of the realm.