Unveiling the Truth: Congress Breaks Records as Historically Unproductive Shutdown is Averted
Temporary shutdown averted, yet Congress remains historically unproductive House Speaker McCarthy's last-minute resolution doesn't indicate a functional government or unified Republican Conference
The US government narrowly averted a shutdown by successfully passing a short-term funding measure. Despite opposition from conservative Republican members, the House managed to secure the necessary support from both Democrats and Republicans. The Senate promptly approved the measure, and President Joe Biden swiftly signed it into law.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's last-minute solution does not signify that our government is suddenly functioning efficiently or that he has successfully united his Republican Conference. The government's agreement to this spending deal is a rarity this year, as it has only passed 14 bills and resolutions since January, excluding this temporary measure to avoid a shutdown. This low number points to the inadequate productivity of our Congress.
Since 1973, approximately 70 bills or resolutions have been enacted by this stage (i.e., September 25) in Congress, when the House and the presidency are under the control of different parties.
Sunrise hits the U.S. Capitol dome on September 30, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/File
Senate passes funding bill to avert shutdown
In fact, the 14 bills and resolutions signed into law through September 25 appear to be the fewest in at least 50 years.
The fact that a government that struggles to accomplish much would face difficulties in funding itself shouldn't come as a surprise.
Moreover, it is evident that Republicans are still grappling with a significant division. Since the resolution to keep the government operating was put forward through an expedited procedure, it required the approval of two-thirds of all members to be passed. However, less than 60% of House Republicans who voted supported it. McCarthy managed to push it through solely because 209 House Democrats (accounting for over 99% of their caucus) voted in favor.
A key factor that almost led to a shutdown was McCarthy's attempt to back out of a spending agreement made earlier this year due to concerns about opposition from the right wing of his party. This is the same faction that dragged out the election for his speakership, lasting through 15 ballots at the beginning of the year.
McCarthy's condition when the short-term funding measure expires is uncertain. There are numerous Republicans dissatisfied with his governing style. Moreover, an analysis of roll call votes conducted by the academic website Voteview revealed that there is a greater number of House Republicans positioned to the right of McCarthy compared to those on his left.
Most of the lawmakers to McCarthys right are not the typical hard-liners who have posed challenges to his speakership. However, it is important to note that even these hard-line members are not as far removed from the mainstream of the GOP as one might assume.
In other words, these hard-liners are not just acting independently. They are representing a significant portion of the Republican base. Former President Donald Trump has openly advocated for a government shutdown, and many Republicans have been receptive to his message.
According to a recent poll by Monmouth University, the majority of Americans (64%) prioritize compromising to keep the government open, rather than adhering strictly to principles even if it leads to a shutdown (31%). However, among Republicans, opinions are more divided, with 50% favoring compromise and 46% favoring principles.
Republicans and Democrats are clearly divided on their approach to compromise. According to the poll, only 21% of Democrats are inclined to stick to their principles, while a significant 76% favor a willingness to compromise. The future of McCarthy's speakership is uncertain as members of his conference who strongly oppose his leadership have once again threatened to remove him following the bipartisan vote. If someone more conservative than McCarthy were to succeed him, the possibility of a future government shutdown remains, despite avoiding it this time.
If McCarthy or whoever may succeed him ends up allowing a shutdown to happen, there will be a lot of Republicans cheering along the way.
