Shutdown Threat: Hard-Right Republicans Push Cuts, McCarthy Struggles

Congress is facing a government shutdown in five days, with hard-right Republicans pushing for spending cuts, even at the expense of federal services. Speaker Kevin McCarthy is struggling to find a way forward.

The House plans to vote on funding bills, but McCarthy’s support is uncertain. The Senate is working on a bipartisan stopgap measure to extend funding, but some Republicans oppose additional Ukraine aid.

President Joe Biden urges Republicans to fulfill their responsibility to fund the government. A shutdown would harm the economy and affect many, including the Women, Infants, and Children program. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is pushing for a shutdown to undo the deal with Biden, causing concerns for the 2024 elections.

McCarthy faced difficulties when hard-right Republicans blocked a defense funding bill. Some, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, oppose funding for Ukraine. They want McCarthy to abandon the deal with Biden and stick to earlier promises of spending cuts due to the growing national debt.

While some Republicans prefer a shutdown to financial ruin, they call for a return to traditional congressional processes to fund government departments.

Senators are working on a temporary measure to extend funding, but disagreements persist, especially regarding Ukraine funding. With the shutdown approaching, some refuse to support a stopgap measure and demand a comprehensive congressional debate instead.