“Working with Democrats is a yellow brick road that has been paved by Speaker McCarthy,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz Monday afternoon, alleging that the House Speaker’s recent negotiations with Democrats to avert a government shutdown was akin to treason.
Gaetz’s accusations set in motion a referendum on the Speaker’s ouster.
That the Florida firebrand’s extremist ideology continues to hold House Republicans hostage is a harbinger of more trouble to come.
Indeed, on Tuesday afternoon, Kevin McCarthy was ousted, leaving the House rudderless.
The most recent excuse/objection by Gaetz and other members of the Freedom Caucus was McCarthy’s “capitulation” last weekend in seeking Democratic support for a spending bill that averted a government shutdown.
In a proverbial “11th hour” bipartisan deal, McCarthy agreed to drop Republican demands that included massive spending cuts, additional money for border security, and a commission on the growing federal debt.
At tally’s end, 209 Democrats and 126 Republicans supported the bill, while 90 Republicans and 1 Democrat voted no. From there, the Senate approved the measure.
As for the Kansas delegation, we’re thankful Reps. Jake LaTurner and Sharice Davids and Sen. Jerry Moran voted for the measure.
To their disgrace, Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes and Sen. Roger Marshall voted to shut down government offices, stalling the work of more than 2 million federal employees and another 4 million that depend on federal contracts such as construction firms that build roads and bridges. A shutdown would also have halted financial relief for farmers who depend on payments and loans as well as WIC, the Women, Infant and Children program.
THOUGH MOST Democrats voted for the bill, they regret its withholding of further aid to Ukraine at this critical juncture in its defense against the Russian invasion. To embolden Russia’s Vladimir Putin is an anathema to those who value democracy.
Democrats also deservedly cried foul when they were given scant time to review the 71-page bill.
That the legislation extends funding for only 45 days, meaning members of the House will be right back at it come November, speaks volumes of its lack of leadership.
By Tuesday, any sense of bipartisanship evaporated when McCarthy said he’d make no concessions to gain Democrats’ support to remain House Speaker.
Such swagger not only cost McCarthy his post but is short-sighted.
To pass Ukraine funding he’ll need Democrats’ support. Same with the farm bill. Ditto for defense.
