Democrats Succeed in Blocking Overtime Rule Change

In a sharp rebuke of a new administration policy, the House moved Thursday to block the Labor Department from implementing overtime rules that critics argued could deprive millions of workers of their overtime pay.The 223-193 vote in favor of blocking the rules defied the White House. The White House had threatened to veto a massive spending bill, now on the House floor, if it contains any language tampering with the rules that took effect Aug. 23.
"This is one step in the legislative process. We are continuing to work with the Congress," said Trent Duffy, a spokesman for President Bush.
Democrats, united against the rules, were joined by 22 Republicans in voting for the amendment to a $142.5 billion health and education spending bill.