House Republicans are in absolute turmoil following their devastating loss in the NY-03 special election and their never-ending chaos on the House floor. Read the latest from Punchbowl News and Washington Post on how their dysfunction will continue to cost them the House Majority.
This is the most chaotic, inefficient and ineffective majority we’ve seen in decades covering Congress. It started this way under former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and has gotten worse under Johnson.
This Republican majority has lost more rule votes than any other majority in five decades, a stunning sign of weakness.
And things aren’t going to get easier. The House is leaving town today by 2:30 p.m. for the 13-day Presidents Day recess. When members return on Feb. 28, there will be only three days to fund a huge swath of the federal government or face a partial shutdown. There’s another full shutdown deadline a week later.
But he and his top aides, most of whom are new to the leadership, have still failed to get a feel for governing successfully. And hanging over this is the possibility of another motion to vacate if Johnson alienates hardline conservatives.
“There’s always this internal struggle [for Johnson] being a movement conservative and then having to be pragmatic. So that’s playing out a lot,” said a top Republican of Johnson. “It feels like chaos. Rudderless.”
Republicans are increasingly worried about keeping control of the House in November. With just a three-seat majority, hanging on to it is a pure toss-up even in the best circumstances.
Worse, Republicans fear they have little to show for their House majority.
One strong signal that Republicans are nervous of losing the majority is the significant number of retirements — 22 so far. The latest, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) — the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee — announced he won’t run for reelection just one day after the House voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. He’s the fourth committee chair to bow out.
“Every place across the country, folks want to see governance work,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene (Wash.), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “All they see from Republicans has been chaos, dysfunction, extremism and doing everything possible to avoid addressing issues head on.”
DCCC Spokesperson Jacob Haythorn:
“If you’re curious about how things are going with this Republican majority, just ask any of the dozens of senior GOP members and committee chairs fleeing the coop. The country is seeing the effects of a GOP majority: the least productive congress since the Great Depression and relentless toxic, far-right politics. Voters will hold them accountable this November so that Democrats can continue to deliver for working families.”
