Today marks six months since Paul Ryan became Speaker of the House, during which he said dozens of times that Republicans lose personality contests and win ideas contests. Ironically, while we’ve seen a whole lot of frill, videography, intern education, snowfall-capture and Trump avoidance, Paul Ryan’s “idea”-driven policy successes have not materialized.
It’s particularly noteworthy that so little meaningful policy work has gotten done, given the national environment that House Republicans face this November with Donald Trump at the top of the ticket. House Republicans know that Donald Trump endangers everyone with an “R” after their name, particularly with women, Latinos, African-Americans, millennials and independent or moderate voters. In an attempt at damage control and insulating themselves against those negative forces, Paul Ryan and many vulnerable House Republicans have been pointing to their plans to run on their legislative records in Congress. They have said time and again that the top of the ticket will not impact them, thanks to these successes.
Speaker Ryan: “I’m Not Concerned About The House Flipping, Because We Are In Control Of Our Own Actions.” [NPR, 3/31/16]
Speaker Ryan: “We intend to take an agenda to the country to show our fellow citizens what we think is necessary to get America back on track, so that the people of this nation can decide at the ballot box when they vote for president and when they vote for Congress what agenda they want America to embrace.” [Paul Ryan press conference, 4/21/16]
Carlos Curbelo: “Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a freshman from Florida facing one of the most competitive House elections this year, called Ryan the ‘most well-rounded speaker in modern history.’” [RealClearPolitics, 4/19/16]
Bob Dold: “I’m focusing on the 10th District in Illinois and really focusing on trying to come up with the solutions that are out there… Honestly, I’m focused on one race. I’m focused on one race alone.” [Politico, 3/18/2016]
Mike Bishop: ‘Freshman Rep. Mike Bishop (R-Mich.) said he “probably” wouldn’t share a state with Trump. “I’m hoping that if he is the nominee, he’ll modulate, he’ll be presidential and I won’t have to defend his words,” Bishop said.’ [Politico, 3/18/2016]
Will Hurd: “Most of our focus has been on fundraising because Will is actually doing his job being a representative for the people of the 23rd Congressional District. Just talking about party rhetoric all the time is not something that we’re really about. We’ve been doing some fundraising … we’re not a challenger so we’re running on record.” [Del Rio Herald, 4/28/16]
Elise Stefanik: “‘I am focused on doing my job and I’m hearing very positive feedback throughout the district, and like my first run, people are looking for a new generational approach. They’re also looking for results,’ the congresswoman said.” [Time Warner Cable, 4/11/16]
John Katko (NY-24): “‘I’m going to back whoever the Republican nominee is, and whoever it is, I will point out my differences. I’ve acted independent in Congress. I’m going to continue to be an independent voice in Congress. And if I agree or disagree with my party leaders, I’m going to let that be known,’ said Katko.” [Time Warner Cable, 3/10/16]
But here’s the catch: it’s pretty clear that all Speaker Paul Ryan has done is embark on a personality-centered campaign of his own in order to paper over the fact that House Republicans’ legislative track record under his leadership has been abysmal. From the get-go, Paul Ryan, the former Budget Committee Chairman, failed to unite the Republican conference in order to pass very basic legislation, like the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Instead, they have focused on legislation that will either never be signed into law, or that shows a major disconnect with the priorities of the American people. And the so-called policy agenda Speaker Ryan claims to be promoting is really nothing more than talking points and platitudes, because he has basically zero intention of turning any of it into legislation during this Congress.
For example, House Republicans have prioritized:
- Passage of a national mammal bill
- Introduction of a magic resolution
- Numerous votes to defund Planned Parenthood
- Two Republican-led hearings to attack Planned Parenthood
- Voting to support a lawsuit aimed at tearing immigrant families apart
Meanwhile, Paul Ryan’s House Republicans have failed to address legislative matters that require immediate attention, like:
- Addressing Puerto Rico’s debt crisis
- Providing funding to combat the threat of the Zika virus
- Providing resources to help Flint recover from its drinking water crisis
- Passing legislation that addresses the crisis of opioid addiction in America
- Passing appropriations bills that adhere to the bipartisan budget agreement that Republican leadership voted for last Fall
- Reauthorizing the FAA, which expires July 15
- Passing a bipartisan defense authorization bill.
Or put more simply:
AP: “Bold promises, but thin agenda so far for Ryan-led House.”[AP, 3/3/16]
FOX News: “Congressional agenda for 2016 has basically disappeared.” [FOX News,2/25/16]
Politico: “Congress setting new bar for doing nothing.” [Politico,3/21/16]
Bloomberg: “Paul Ryan’s House Agenda Upended by Trump, Cruz Dominance.”[Bloomberg, 3/8/16]
So the question is simple: in the face of Donald Trump and the widespread down-ballot damage he’s poised to inflict on vulnerable House Republicans, what legislative record – exactly – are Paul Ryan and House Republicans planning to use as their shield?