Speaker McCarthy is giving hard-right Republicans what they want. But it never seems to be enough.

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Speaker McCarthy is acquiescing to the demands of hard-right Republicans in a bid to maintain his tenuous grip on House leadership. As the specter of a government shutdown looms, McCarthy has adopted a strategy that diverges from the conventional tools of the speaker’s role, instead opting to yield to a small faction led by those seeking his ouster, even if this entails the closure of federal offices.

This untested approach has left McCarthy frustrated, his allies rallying to support him, and his hold on power increasingly precarious, especially with the September 30 government funding deadline fast approaching. While McCarthy remains optimistic about finding a resolution, the situation remains highly fluid.

Governing with a slim House majority, McCarthy is confronted with a more uncompromising faction of far-right lawmakers who are determined to reshape the political landscape in their image. His efforts to secure their support by acceding to demands for an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and offering spending cuts have been met with resistance, as a few hardliners continue to press for further concessions.

Furthermore, McCarthy has distanced himself from the budget deal struck with Biden earlier in the year, aiming to align spending with the levels promised to the right-wing during his tumultuous bid for House speaker. Yet, despite these concessions, it seems that appeasing the far-right remains an elusive goal.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, a leading figure in this movement, asserts that recent events are turning in their favor, signaling the end of short-term funding legislation used to keep the government operational during spending debates.

Democrats, eager to assign blame for the impending shutdown, point fingers at McCarthy and the dysfunction in the House. President Biden has urged McCarthy to adhere to the negotiated annual spending figures, further highlighting the divide between the parties.

With Congress at a standstill and lawmakers returning to their constituencies for the weekend, McCarthy has embraced a plan endorsed by Gaetz to begin processing the numerous annual spending bills required for government department funding while temporarily shelving the idea of a stopgap approach. However, this is an exceedingly daunting task given the limited time available.

The prospect of passing 11 bills in eight days appears improbable, with seasoned lawmakers estimating that it would take at least six weeks to navigate this legislative process. The call for a continuing resolution to keep government agencies operational gains support, but House Republicans maintain their stance on lower spending levels compared to the Senate.

To break the current impasse, a bipartisan coalition that leaves McCarthy’s right flank behind may be the only viable option, but this could trigger a challenge to his leadership. In the Senate, leaders from both parties are working on a funding package that exceeds the spending levels demanded by House Republicans and includes provisions for emergency disaster aid and support for Ukraine, a move that some GOP House members oppose.

Ultimately, as the Senate’s proposal returns, Speaker McCarthy will face a critical decision that could shape the course of government funding and his own political future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Government Shutdown Strategy

More about Government Shutdown Strategy

• Kevin McCarthy – Speaker of the House
• Government Shutdown
• House of Representatives
• Republican Party
• Impeachment Inquiry
• Bipartisan Coalition