House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is in a difficult position trying to balance multiple key issues — several of which are time-sensitive.
Pundits note that McCarthy must stave off a government shutdown by passing a budget or continuing resolution (CT) to fund the government while negotiations continue.
However, a government shutdown will halt multiple congressional investigations into the Biden family’s alleged criminal activity and reported corruption within the Department of Justice. It will also halt the whispered launch of impeachment proceedings against President Biden.
RTM previously reported that Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) warned that McCarthy was in danger of being removed from his role as speaker if he did not move forward with Impeachment proceedings.
Burchett told Axios: “I think it’s [motion to vacate] in the back of everybody’s mind … If somebody brings that it wouldn’t take much, you know, it just takes a couple of votes.”
To avert a government shutdown, McCarthy reportedly made budgetary concessions with the White House — something fiscal conservative members of the House said they would not support.
McCarthy has a slim majority in the House — losing the support of several influential members of his party is a blow, and it is compounded by the absence of three more Republican representatives due to health and legal issues.
The Washington Examiner reported that three Republicans, Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT), Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Rep. George Santos (R-NY) will likely not be available to vote with McCarthy on key issues in September.
Stewart announced last May that he would be retiring on Sept. 15 due to his wife’s health issues. A run-off election to fill his seat is not scheduled until Nov. 21.
Lucas is recovering from hip surgery following a fall at his home in August. He will not likely be available for in-person congressional votes in September.
Santos recently pled guilty to federal charges. His hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27. His availability and eligibility to share in September voting is in question.
Sensing McCarthy’s vulnerability, fiscal conservatives are demanding concessions in exchange for their vote. For example, House Freedom Caucus members want to decrease the proposed budget by $200 billion. Others are demanding an end to America’s funding of the war in Ukraine and to boost funding for border security.
Congress will resume their work on Tuesday, Sept. 12. McCarthy has his work cut out for him as he works to pass 12 appropriations bills, seek support of a budget plan amenable to the White House and the conservative members of his party, and satisfy the Hawks demanding the immediate launch of an impeachment inquiry.
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