Rogue House Democrats Golden and Perez face growing push for "consequences"

Two centrist House Democrats who voted to help Republicans get a procedural motion across the finish line are now facing down possible punishment from party leaders who say they were blindsided by the move.

Why it matters: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is taking an uncharacteristically aggressive public approach to the defections, to the thrill of some of his members.

"I 'effing love it," said Rep.

Jared Huffman (D-Calif.).

"We have to draw a bright line here and kick some ass or this will be the new norm." Another House Democrat said Jeffries and his deputies "are right to make an example" of the two rogue centrists.

Catch up quick: Reps.

Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) voted with Republicans to pass what is called a "rule" — a procedural measure that sets the terms for House debate on a package of bills.

While lawmakers often break away from party leaders on standard legislative votes on legislation, these procedural votes almost always fall along party lines.

The legislation advanced by the measure included a Republican resolution denouncing "socialism in all its forms," which infuriated many Democrats because it also included language praising the GOP's SAVE America Act.

What they're saying: Jeffries, in a joint statement with Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Democratic Caucus chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) released Tuesday night, signaled plans to take action.

"The decision by two of our colleagues to blindside the entire House Democratic Caucus and join with the Republican majority to pass a procedural rule on the brink of failing represents a significant breach of trust," the trio said.

"It is an action that necessitates a serious response, and we have asked the Committee on Caucus Rules to take this up in short order." The other side: Golden defended his vote by noting that the rule also contained a bill he co-authored to shield lobstermen from federal regulations protecting whales.

Golden argued that leadership should not have been surprised by his vote and that his intentions were neither veiled nor unpredictable, telling Axios: "They couldn't possibly think I would vote against my own bill, right?" Gluesenkamp Perez also cited Golden's bill protecting lobstermen as the reason for her vote in a statement.

Neither office immediately responded to requests for comment on the joint leadership statement.