House Spending Battle
Congress Faces Critical Challenges: Government Shutdown and Speaker Selection
The next 40 days will be crucial for Congress as they confront two major obstacles: the looming government shutdown and the task of choosing a new speaker of the House.
Following the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as speaker on Oct. 3, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chairman of the influential House Judiciary Committee, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) have officially thrown their hats into the ring as potential successors.
Notably, Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), chairman of the Republican Study Committee, has not ruled out making a bid for speaker himself.
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After the motion to vacate the chair passed 216–210, with eight Republicans joining 208 Democrats voting in favor, Mr. McCarthy announced that he wouldn’t run for speaker again and said he was undecided about whether he would remain in Congress. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) has been appointed as speaker pro tempore until a replacement is voted in.
The House is currently in recess until Oct. 9. On that evening, Fox News will televise a debate between Mr. Scalise, Mr. Jordan, and Mr. Hern. The following day, a candidate forum is scheduled, with the party casting their choice for speaker on Oct. 11. The date for the House floor vote on the new speaker remains uncertain.
‘Clock’s Ticking’
Members of Congress recognize the urgency of selecting a speaker to ensure the passage of all 12 appropriations bills. House rules dictate that legislation cannot be addressed on the House floor without an appointed speaker pro tempore.
“The House has got to resolve leadership issues … to actually move forward,” said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who previously served in the House. “Clock’s ticking.”
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), another former House member, expressed concern about meeting the deadline for appropriations bills due to the speaker’s fight. He emphasized the importance of resolving the issue promptly to avoid sending a negative message to the world.
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also acknowledged the impact of the speaker’s battle on the appropriations process, citing the limited time available and the preoccupation of House members with the speaker’s role and uncertainty.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) stressed the need for bipartisanship in the selection of the next speaker, emphasizing the importance of cooperation to keep the government open and improve the lives of Americans.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed frustration over the time lost due to the speaker’s vacancy, hindering the passage of appropriations bills and impeding progress for the nation.
The Candidates for Speaker
Mr. Jordan, a former wrestling coach who has been in Congress since 2007, previously supported Mr. McCarthy’s bid for speaker. However, he now seeks the gavel and has received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. In a letter to colleagues, Mr. Jordan emphasized the importance of unity and fulfilling promises to the American people.
Mr. Scalise, who survived a shooting in 2017, highlighted the House’s accomplishments in areas such as border security and energy. He stressed the need to maintain momentum and complete the consideration of all 12 appropriations bills. Mr. Scalise also shared his personal journey and his determination to fight for the country.
Meanwhile, the Democrats plan to nominate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for speaker, as they did in the previous rounds. The selection of the next speaker will be crucial for working effectively with the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Joseph Lord contributed to this report.
What steps can lawmakers take to prioritize the needs of the American people over political gamesmanship in the selection of the next speaker of the House and the budget negotiations
E said, “The longer it takes to resolve this issue, the more difficult it becomes to get things done and meet the needs of the American people.”
The choice of the next speaker of the House is not the only challenge facing Congress. The possibility of a government shutdown looms large as lawmakers struggle to reach an agreement on the federal budget. The current budget expires on December 10, and without a new budget or a continuing resolution, the government will be forced to shut down.
The debate over the budget has been contentious, with Democrats and Republicans at odds over key issues such as funding for the border wall and social programs. The political divide in Congress has made it difficult to find common ground and reach a compromise.
Congressional leaders from both parties have been engaged in negotiations, but so far, no agreement has been reached. The potential consequences of a government shutdown are dire, with federal employees facing furloughs and the suspension of critical government services. It also has an impact on the economy, with businesses losing revenue and consumers experiencing disruptions in services.
Time is of the essence, and lawmakers must work quickly to find a solution to avoid a government shutdown. The consequences of failing to do so are too great, and the American people deserve better. The uncertainty and instability caused by a shutdown would only deepen the political divisions and erode public trust in Congress.
As Congress grapples with these critical challenges, it is essential for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the American people over political gamesmanship. The choice of the next speaker of the House should be made with the best interest of the country in mind, not party politics. Similarly, the budget negotiations should focus on finding common ground and reaching a compromise that addresses the nation’s priorities.
It is a pivotal moment for Congress, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of our nation. The government shutdown and the speaker selection are not just partisan issues; they have real consequences for the American people. It is time for our elected representatives to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the country.
As Sen. Lankford aptly put it, “Clock’s ticking.” The American people are counting on Congress to find solutions and move our country forward. It is a test of their leadership and their commitment to serving the needs of the American people. Let us hope that they rise to the occasion and meet these critical challenges head-on.
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