Despite warnings from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) that their opposition to his speakership campaign is jeopardizing the Republican Party’s ability to govern, Republicans remain staunch in refusing to back down.
On a nationally syndicated radio show, Kevin McCarthy gave an ultimatum – if five Republicans didn’t change their views on him becoming Speaker of the House next month then it could have serious consequences. After securing nomination with just under 218 votes last month in private proceedings, he had to put his foot down and make sure that number stays high enough to get elected.
He has subsequently won over 26 of the 31 holdouts, but with the five defectors, he still falls one vote shy of the 218 needed, given that Republicans will have only a four-seat majority in the new Congress.
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When asked about the status of negotiations with the five Republican lawmakers, McCarthy responded, “Well, we’re still continuing to talk, but they have not moved.” The five lawmakers are former House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Bob Good (R-VA), and Ralph Norman (R-SC).
“And the challenge here is that, you know, we are the only Republican entity stopping the Biden administration, but we are also going to be the only ones that can move forward,” he continued. But it would hold up everything from forming committees to starting work on the things you know we must do right away.
Longtime conservative radio host Hewitt said he believes the defections are delaying the GOP’s ability to do its business in the majority and also to recruit candidates for the 2024 House.
“It’s not just putting it off; it’s also being ready to protect the majority and even expand the majority. McCarthy agreed with Hewitt and said, “You want to take advantage of having the majority.” Keep in mind that this is a presidential election year, and that means you only have a limited amount of time to put in some serious governing effort. And you intend to waste no time getting started. Each day you fall behind is like losing a quarter of your start.
You won’t have access to better applicants, therefore. There aren’t any additional funds allocated to spreading the word about these candidates. Moreover, he said, “people are looking at us and wondering if we’re ready to be the majority if this is what’s occurring.”
To what extent are you able to cover such enormous bills? In what ways would you be able to alter the past? What steps may be taken to ensure the safety of the border? Is there a way to stop depending on the power grid altogether? What do you do to circumvent the parental rights act? All of it is under peril right now. McCarthy concluded the interview by saying he was certain the defectors would eventually back down.
