Intense GOP Schism Amplifies Shutdown Worries, Further Widening McConnell-McCarthy Rivalry

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy privately conveyed to Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell that unless significant revisions are made, the bipartisan bill in the Senate to fund the government would not receive a vote in the House. McCarthy reiterated this stance during a conference with his colleagues on Wednesday morning, emphasizing that he would not bring the Senate bill to the House floor. This highlights the significant disagreement between the two influential Republicans in Washington during a crucial period for the nation and their party.

As government funding nears expiration, the two men find themselves in strong disagreement. McCarthy refuses to accept the deal brokered by McConnell with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and instead seeks support from House GOP votes to strengthen his bargaining stance.

Numerous senators from both parties express concern over McCarthy's plan, seeing it as improbable to pass in his own chamber and with no potential to become law. Prominent GOP lawmakers worry that the internal divisions within their party would make it easier for the public to hold them responsible for a detrimental deadlock.

Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican and loyal ally of McConnell, expressed his belief that this situation could have been easily avoided and considers it a failure of governance.

McCarthy and his supporters argue that the Senate agreement falls short as it does not address funding for border security, a key demand of the House GOP. Despite McCarthy's previous stance of postponing the issue, McConnell, a vocal supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, pushed to include $6 billion in aid.

Rep. Cory Mills, a Florida Republican, told CNN that when considering the four corners, McConnell is closer to Schumer and Hakeem (Jeffries) than to the speaker. According to Mills, the speaker stands on his own, as it is always a one-three vote. In a private phone call, McCarthy conveyed to McConnell that House Republicans cannot support any spending measure that does not adequately address the US southern border while also providing assistance to Ukraine.

GOP Rep. Max Miller of Ohio referred to Republicans and Democrats in the Senate as working together like a uniparty.

The division between McCarthy and McConnell continues to widen, as they differ on tactics such as McConnell's unease towards the potential impeachment of President Joe Biden and his eagerness to distance himself from former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, McCarthy has supported a Biden impeachment inquiry and embraced Trump. This divide was evident last week when McConnell and Schumer appeared publicly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Capitol, while McCarthy chose not to participate.

In recent weeks, Senate GOP lawmakers have voiced their dissatisfaction with McCarthy's decision to disregard a bipartisan debt ceiling law passed this summer, which established spending limits for the government. The purpose of this agreement was to prevent any contentious budget disputes in the coming months.

However, due to pressure from the more conservative faction within his party, McCarthy conceded to pursuing more significant spending reductions. This has created a conflict with both Senate Republicans and Democrats who are opposed to this endeavor.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, a member of Senate GOP leadership, emphasized the importance of adhering to agreements while discussing the ongoing deal. Nevertheless, she acknowledged the various pressures faced by the speaker, refraining from passing judgment on his actions. Capito also expressed disagreement with the House Republicans' rejection of the short-term spending bill negotiated by McConnell and Schumer. She highlighted the current unpredictability within the House, citing her previous experience serving in it. Capito stressed the need to reach a resolution despite the natural rivalry between the two chambers.

Allies of McCarthy and McConnell maintain that the two have a strong working relationship and McCarthy's phone call was merely a polite gesture, emphasizing their regular communication and meetings during sessions. Moreover, their allies highlight that both men have an appreciation for and respect each other's positions, even when they clash at times. McCarthy placed the blame on Schumer, rather than McConnell, during his conversation with reporters.

"Mitch lacks influence compared to the majority in that group," remarked McCarthy, emphasizing the need for collaboration with Sen. Schumer.

McConnell highlighted the distinct characteristics of the two institutions, noting their significant disparities while simultaneously defending the Senate's proposed strategy.

"McConnell expressed satisfaction with the Senate bill's composition. However, there is a clear divergence between the two individuals as each chamber independently tackles the task of preventing a shutdown. Contrary to his previous stance of remaining neutral during the debt ceiling dispute and allowing McCarthy to lead, McConnell collaborated with Schumer to broker a temporary bill that would prolong current funding levels for 45 days."

The proposal, which received strong bipartisan support on Tuesday, also includes an additional $6 billion for disaster relief and $6 billion for Ukraine, which McConnell has prioritized.

In contrast, McCarthy has been attempting to gather support from House Republicans for a partisan funding plan. This plan would extend current spending at lower levels and does not allocate any funding for Ukraine or disaster relief. Additionally, it includes a House GOP border security package. However, it is uncertain whether McCarthy will obtain enough votes to pass the measure, as hardliners remain opposed. If McCarthy's bill fails to pass, it would weaken his negotiating position with the Senate, particularly since McConnell and McCarthy already have different ideas about the way forward.

McCarthy, addressing reporters, mentioned the lack of support in the House regarding the bipartisan stopgap bill.

However, there are GOP senators who are showing support for McCarthy's stance. On Tuesday, Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, coincidentally encountered the speaker in the House section of the Capitol. Cramer took the opportunity to engage McCarthy in a brief conversation.

Cramer, an ally of McConnell, personally advocates for Ukraine aid. However, he conveyed to McCarthy that including Ukraine aid in a stopgap bill would be unwise, as it would likely face rejection from House Republicans. "I expressed my opinion that I would prefer to send whatever is most beneficial for our cause, and I don't believe Ukraine funding aligns with that," Cramer explained.

CNNs Clare Foran, Haley Talbot, Morgan Rimmer and Lauren Fox contributed to this report.