Ryan hints at policy riders in upcoming spending bills

By Susan Ferrechio, Susan Ferrechio

Published December 20, 2015

House Speaker Paul Ryan suggested Tuesday that the House will use its "power of the purse" by including policy riders in spending bills.

"The power of the purse rests with the legislative branch," Ryan, R-Wis., said after meeting with House Republicans on Tuesday. "And we fully expect we are going to exercise that power."

Tuesday marks Ryan's second full legislative day as House speaker. He met privately with rank-and-file members at Republican headquarters Tuesday morning, where lawmakers discussed the upcoming transportation authorization measure. The legislation comes to the floor Tuesday.

Ryan said the bill, which authorizes highway projects for six years, will demonstrate the new, inclusive and open management the House will take under his leadership. Members will consider up to 280 amendments.