Prime Time Showdown: McCarthy Guarantees a Vote on Defense Spending Bill this Week, Who Will Prevail?

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that the Defense Department appropriations bill, which was halted last week prior to reaching the floor for discussion, will be voted on this week, regardless of the outcome. McCarthy confirmed this in an interview on Fox News, where he expressed disappointment over a few members on his right flank who obstructed the progress of the Department of Defense appropriations bills.

"I provided them with an opportunity this weekend to attempt to address this issue, and we will bring it to a vote regardless of the outcome," McCarthy informed Maria Bartiromo.

The House Republican leadership had intended to introduce a series of individual spending bills on the floor in an effort to find common ground and unite the conference. However, this approach has proven to be a risky move. The leadership was caught off guard when the defense spending bill encountered difficulties, with one member of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, voting against the bill in the Rules Committee. In addition, Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina stated to CNN that he would vote against the rule on the floor.

The debate and scheduled votes were abruptly canceled moments before the chamber was set to commence on Wednesday. McCarthy placed blame on the Senate, highlighting the need for collaboration between the House and the upper chamber. He criticized the Senate for its failure to pass any legislation last week.

"And regrettably, on the Senate side, both Republicans and Democrats are currently formulating bills that would increase government spending. Our proposals are the most fiscally responsible, but if we fail to express our concerns, we will be at a disadvantage during the negotiations. Therefore, whenever a Republican chooses to impede progress and hinder the legislative process, it weakens our position, especially considering the majority that the Republicans hold. Ultimately, this compromises our chances of success."

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy speaks to reporters as he leaves a House Republican caucus meeting at the Capitol on September 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.

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Kevin McCarthy stares down another right-wing revolt

But McCarthy said a government shutdown "would only give strength to the Democrats. It would give the power to Biden."

As Congress faces a looming spending deadline, there has been little progress on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers now admit that a government shutdown is not only a possibility, but it may become inevitable if there is no swift change in the political dynamics involving McCarthy, the hardliners in his conference, and the US Senate.

"I want to make sure we dont shut down. I dont think that is a win for the American public and I definitely believe that will make (Republicans) hand weaker," McCarthy said.