The House just averted a motion to adjourn by a vote of 27 to 39 . 

But not before a few fireworks — and a political parry and thrust. Rep. Candy Spence Ezell, R-Roswell, moved to adjourn, causing the House to go momentarily silent. "We have not accomplished one thing today except waste the taxpayers’ money," she said on the House floor.

House Speaker Ben Lujan, D-Santa Fe, said he wouldn’t accept the motion. But House Minority Whip Dan Foley, R-Roswell, rose to challenge Lujan.

"We’ve got to play by the rules," Foley said, citing a House rule that requires a motion to adjourn to be acknowleged and voted on.

Lujan responded: "That might be an interesting motion. Maybe Ruidoso doesn’t need the money." 

Ruidoso just suffered severe flooding and is in need of money for recovery. Many lawmakers say that this is one of the pieces of legislation that likely will get through. But even if it doesn’t, the governor has the authority to release money to help Ruidoso.