21 Republicans Rebel Against Funding Bill, Fueling Government Shutdown Risk Amid McCarthy’s GOP Factional Struggles.
Funding Bill Rejected
- House Republicans’ interim funding bill was thwarted Friday by Democrats and GOP hardliners.
- The defeat raises the likelihood of a government shutdown this weekend.
- The final tally was 198 to 232, with 21 Republicans opposing, including notable figures like Reps. Matt Gaetz (FL), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA), and Nancy Mace (SC).
232-198: The House votes down a bill, crafted and endorsed by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, to keep the federal government open for several weeks.
21 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting “No.” pic.twitter.com/udcqteXY1v
— The Recount (@therecount) September 29, 2023
Leadership Struggles for McCarthy
- Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces significant challenges within his party, undermining his leadership position.
- McCarthy has struggled to unite GOP factions; conservative members have expressed opposition to any Continuing Resolution (CR).
- The proposed GOP CR included a provision for reduced spending ($130 billion less), incorporated elements from a border security bill, and a stipulation for a bipartisan federal debt study committee.
Shutdown Implications
- Federal funding concludes on September 30. Without an agreement between the House and Senate, nonessential federal functions risk being suspended.
- A temporary extension of funding (CR) is crucial to provide lawmakers additional time for devising 12 individual spending bills for FY2024.
- Conservative faction against CR views it as an extension of Democrat-led congressional control, thereby refusing support.