House Republicans are facing repeated failures in electing a new speaker, and this internal dysfunction is increasing the likelihood of a federal government shutdown next month. Since a group of far-right rebels ousted then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy on October 3, Republicans have been unable to agree on a replacement. Without a speaker, lawmakers are unable to bring bills to the floor. The House has been mostly closed for business since then, even as war has broken out in Israel and federal funding is weeks away from expiration. Congress must approve a deal to fund the government by November 17 to avoid a shutdown. If this shutdown were to happen, most GOP members admit that they will likely be blamed. The longer the Republicans take to elect a speaker, the less time they will have to prevent a shutdown. The Democrats’ controlled Senate is continuing its business, supporting short-term legislation to keep the government open and backing President Biden’s foreign aid package. However, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is urging the House to act and elect a speaker as it sends the wrong message to other countries. House Republicans may face difficulties in electing a speaker as the party is divided, and whoever is elected will face the same dynamics that led to McCarthy’s ousting. The GOP needs a tight CR strategy to keep the government open and avoid a shutdown. Some Republicans are against using Democratic votes to install a speaker or legislate after one is elected, calling it a betrayal to Republican voters.
Countdown to Government Shutdown: GOP’s Speaker Election Challenges add Pressure
