How to avoid the “shutdown” in the United States: Kevin McCarthy finds himself at the center of the turmoil
The American Congress narrowly managed to avoid a “shutdown” which would have paralyzed the federal administration. With hours before the deadline, an emergency measure was passed to temporarily fund the administration for 45 days. However, this agreement angered some members of the Republican Party, jeopardizing the position of Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Kevin McCarthy, by seeking compromise with the Democrats to avoid the “shutdown”, triggered the fury of the hard right of the Republican Party. Some members of this faction have even expressed their intention to remove McCarthy from office. Despite this threat, McCarthy asserts that he will survive this fratricidal initiative and that he will continue to lead the House of Representatives.
However, McCarthy’s ouster from the House speakership is not yet a given. The majority of the Republican caucus will have to decide to overthrow him, which is not guaranteed. Whatever the case, this crisis reveals the divisions within the Republican Party, already weakened by its small majority in the House. This situation could lead to even greater conflict, especially since Donald Trump has a predominant influence on the party.
The agreement reached to avoid the “shutdown” does not provide for aid to Ukraine. However, this is a provisional measure, and new negotiations will have to take place within the next 45 days to avoid a new blockage. Trump supporters, who called for an end to aid to Ukraine, won their case with this agreement. Joe Biden, however, affirmed that the United States would not abandon Ukraine and urged Republicans to stop playing with the threat of a “shutdown”.
This crisis also highlights the role of the “Freedom Caucus” parliamentary group, made up of ultra-conservative members close to Trump. This group plays an important role within the Republican Party due to the slim majority in the House of Representatives. The Freedom Caucus was ordered by Trump to push for a shutdown if it did not obtain satisfaction on all the budget issues currently being debated.
In conclusion, the possible ousting of Kevin McCarthy from the presidency of the House of Representatives following his decision to reach an agreement with the Democrats highlights the divisions within the Republican Party. This crisis also reveals the preponderant role of the “Freedom Caucus” group and the tensions around the budgetary question and aid to Ukraine. The next few weeks will be decisive for the political future of the United States and Kevin McCarthy.