With the government’s funding deadline drawing near, Speaker Kevin McCarthy is grappling with internal strife within the Republican party, leaving the White House observing from the sidelines. President Joe Biden’s team has adopted a hard-line strategy, urging McCarthy to adhere to the spending deal agreed upon in May rather than pursuing a new bipartisan bill.
White House’s Hands-Off Strategy
The White House has decided not to intervene directly in the chaos unfolding in the House of Representatives, where Republicans are divided over a government funding bill. Instead, they aim to contrast the House’s inability to keep the government running with Biden’s leadership, who recently addressed the United Nations General Assembly.
The administration has emphasized the potential consequences of the GOP plan, including cuts to Customs and Border Protection agents and Head Start positions for children.
Senate as the Beacon of Bipartisanship
The White House has pinned its hopes on a bipartisan Senate effort, with senior officials engaging with lawmakers in both chambers and parties. The top Republican and Democratic appropriators in the Senate are working on long-term funding bills that adhere to the agreed-upon spending levels.
President’s Potential Intervention
While Biden’s approach appears hands-off for now, there may be a need for his involvement in the eleventh hour to facilitate a final agreement. Shutdowns can have severe repercussions, including delayed paychecks for federal workers and closures of national parks.
However, the president’s intervention could be a double-edged sword, potentially hindering congressional negotiations and provoking opposition from House conservatives.
The Isolation of House Republicans
The White House’s position is buoyed by the growing isolation of House Republicans, who lack the support they once had from Senate Republicans. Senate Republicans now prioritize increasing defense spending and have little appetite for the House’s hesitance regarding a government shutdown.
As the government funding deadline approaches, Speaker McCarthy faces a daunting challenge in uniting his party, with the White House observing closely, ready to respond if necessary.
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