US Republicans escalate government shutdown threat in relation to spending bill | US Congress

Title: US Government Shutdown Looms as Short-Term Spending Bill Faces Opposition from Far-Right Republicans

Introduction:
A potential government shutdown in the US looms as a short-term spending bill faces opposition from far-right Republicans. The bill, known as a “continuing resolution” or CR, aims to keep federal agencies afloat until the end of October. However, the measure has encountered resistance from a faction within the Republican Party, intensifying the risk of a government shutdown and jeopardizing Kevin McCarthy’s speakership. As negotiations continue, the House of Representatives is experiencing internal divisions that could have far-reaching consequences.

Internal Divisions Threaten a Government Shutdown:
Republicans in the House of Representatives find themselves in a state of “civil war,” according to Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries. With less than two weeks to secure funding for federal agencies, the internal divisions are posing a significant threat. Although a group of hardline and moderate Republicans reached an agreement on the short-term spending bill, it remains uncertain whether the bill can garner enough support to pass the House. Several Republicans have expressed opposition or skepticism, highlighting the challenges faced by McCarthy in uniting a fractured caucus.

McCarthy’s Speakership at Risk:
Kevin McCarthy, the top House Republican, faces one of the biggest threats to his eight-month tenure as speaker. With a slim majority in the House, McCarthy can only afford to lose a few votes to pass legislation that Democrats unanimously oppose. Some hardline members of the House Freedom Caucus, aligned with former President Donald Trump, are openly embracing a government shutdown as a negotiating tactic to push for their spending and conservative policy priorities. McCarthy’s attempt to move forward with a defense appropriations bill stalled last week, further exacerbating the divisions within the party.

The Unlikely Road Ahead:
The short-term spending bill agreed upon on Sunday is unlikely to succeed with Democrats and become law. It includes spending cuts on agencies other than the defense department and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as immigration and border security restrictions. The Republican party’s focus on advancing extremist policy rather than governing has drawn criticism from progressives. McCarthy’s apparent capitulation to the most extreme members of the caucus has further fueled calls for his removal.

McCarthy’s Vulnerable Speakership:
McCarthy’s speakership has never appeared as vulnerable as it does now. Seeking to appease the far right, McCarthy announced the opening of an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, despite the lack of tangible evidence for an impeachable offense. However, his attempts to curry favor have not quelled the internal divisions within the party. Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, believes that McCarthy will be forced to make concessions that may be unacceptable to both Democrats and some Republicans.

Conclusion:
As the deadline for passing spending legislation approaches, the US government faces the risk of a shutdown due to internal divisions within the Republican Party. McCarthy’s speakership hangs in the balance as he struggles to unite a fractured caucus. The short-term spending bill, although agreed upon by some Republicans, faces opposition from others who view it as a betrayal of conservative principles. The path forward remains uncertain, with the potential for negotiations between Senate Democrats and Republicans to secure funding and avoid a government shutdown.

Original Story at www.theguardian.com – 2023-09-19 11:01:00