DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement on House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s claim to attempt to change House Republicans:
“Congressman McCarthy’s insistence that House Republicans are seriously going to change would be laughable if the consequences of their inaction weren’t so dire for middle class families. Republicans have spent the past four years pledging to change-to reach out to women and minorities, to develop a real agenda that focuses on jobs-but in reality, all they’ve done is retreat further into their out-of-touch, insulated Tea Party echo chamber, shut down the government and continue to protect wealthy special interests at the expense of middle class families. Americans are tired of their empty promises, and won’t be fooled again.”
BACKGROUND:
Politico: “Kevin McCarthy Vows Change on Hill to Save GOP.” “McCarthy, speaking without a working microphone, told a group of Long Island donors that Republicans’ gains in the House will amount to little if they can’t govern over the next two years […] Legislative cliffs are over. One muscular, unified agenda will bridge both chambers. […]McCarthy is intently focused on the first few months in session, which he sees as critical for his agenda. He would like to use the lame-duck session to pass a long-term government-funding bill, so Washington can begin focusing on big-picture legislating, instead of just trying to keep government’s doors open. He also is aiming to renew a host of lapsed business-focused tax provisions and renew the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act — two items with bipartisan support.” [Politico, 10/26/14]