In a last-minute scramble, Congress managed to avert a government shutdown with just hours to spare. The Senate passed a bill by a vote of 88 to 9, ensuring the government’s funding for the next 45 days, thanks to a dramatic reversal by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy had been facing internal opposition from hardliners within the House Republican Conference and needed to find a way to keep the government open while safeguarding his position.
Initially, McCarthy attempted to rally his caucus to support a short-term funding measure loaded with major spending cuts, aimed at appeasing House conservatives. However, this effort failed, leading McCarthy to change his strategy and allow a vote on legislation that would continue current government spending for 45 days, along with disaster aid. Notably, the bill did not include additional aid to Ukraine, a provision desired by Democrats but omitted due to Republican opposition. The short-term bill received support from nearly all Democrats but faced opposition from 90 Republicans, some of whom objected to continuing resolutions on principle.
The challenge for McCarthy now is whether he can retain his position as GOP Speaker, which has always been precarious. McCarthy was elected Speaker with a narrow majority and, if a motion to oust him were brought to the floor, it would require 218 votes to pass. Some critics, like Rep. Matt Gaetz, have suggested that McCarthy’s fate is within his control, based on whether he complies with prior agreements made with House conservatives.
While some Republicans sympathize with McCarthy’s position, others question his leadership. Rep. Troy Nehls expressed sympathy for McCarthy’s challenging role but did not commit to removing him from his position.
With the immediate government shutdown crisis averted, Republicans now have more time to advance remaining appropriations bills through the House. However, these bills will face a Democratic-controlled Senate with different priorities and less attachment to traditional appropriations processes favored by House conservatives.
The question remains whether McCarthy can both keep the government open and retain his role as Speaker. The recent showdown within the GOP may not be the last, and McCarthy’s leadership continues to face scrutiny.