House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is facing several headaches as the House returns to session this week, and the absence of fellow House Republicans will only add to the difficulties in avoiding a government shutdown.
McCarthy has indicated that he expects to pass a continuing resolution to give Congress more time to pass spending bills to avoid a shutdown on Oct. 1. However, he can only afford to lose four Republican votes if he hopes to pass all 12 appropriations bills before funding expires — and he’s already facing attendance problems.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS RETURN TO MESSY APPROPRIATIONS FIGHT AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN LOOMS
Four Republicans are either sidelined or heading toward a possible absence from the House. If they stay out of commission for much longer, McCarthy will find it impossible to get the votes necessary for a CR — a task already proving to be an uphill battle as hard-line conservatives threaten to withhold their support unless Congress votes to rein in spending.
Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT) announced in late May that he would be retiring from his House seat, citing his wife’s health as a reason for his early departure. He’s held the seat for 10 years and will step down on Friday. Republican Celeste Maloy will face Democrat Kathleen Riebe in the special general election on Nov. 21.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) will also be notably absent from House proceedings because he is in the midst of what he called an aggressive chemotherapy course, according to Punchbowl News. He announced on Aug. 29 that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) is recovering after undergoing hip surgery last month. He suffered the injury on his Roger Mills County farm. Lucas postponed his town hall meetings on Aug. 4 and Aug. 25 due to his injuries.
For non-health-related reasons, Rep. George Santos (R-NY) may be leaving the House, as well. He may plead guilty to federal charges after court filings surfaced indicating he is working on reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. His status hearing has been delayed until Oct. 27, so it’s likely he could remain in Congress to vote for the CR.
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Hard-line conservatives are being vocal about their demands in exchange for votes. House Freedom Caucus members are seeking a $200 billion spending cut, going against the debt ceiling compromise struck by McCarthy and President Joe Biden. They also want to cease funds to Ukraine, include funding for border security, and eliminate “woke” policies in the Pentagon and “weaponization” in the Justice Department.
The House has already struggled to pass its 12 appropriations bills, only passing one on the floor before leaving for August recess. When the House returns on Sept. 12, members will have only 12 working days to pass the remaining appropriations bills.
