The Daily – Why the Government is About to Shut Down

Intro

The US government is on the brink of a shutdown as House Republicans clash with Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This episode of “The Daily” explores the reasons behind this showdown and the potential consequences.

Main Takeaways

Government Shutdown Looms

• The US government is facing a shutdown this weekend due to a showdown between House Republicans and Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
• Republicans have a slim majority, and a small group of hard-right conservatives have been able to run the House of Representatives.
• McCarthy made promises to these conservatives, including a return to pre-COVID spending levels, but has not fulfilled them.

McCarthy’s Political Maneuvering

• One of the promises was that any single House Republican could call for McCarthy’s removal as Speaker, giving them veto power over his entire speakership.
• McCarthy faced a similar crisis during the US debt ceiling debate a few months ago, which was more serious than a shutdown as it could have led to the first-ever default in history.
• McCarthy will do everything he can to cling to his job as Speaker of the House.

Democrats’ Reluctance to Help McCarthy

• Democrats may not help McCarthy due to his failure to stick to the agreement on the debt limit and his call to impeach Joe Biden.
• McCarthy is willing to risk the system to save his job as Speaker.
• McCarthy has not yet shown a willingness to work with Democrats to avoid a shutdown.

The Consequences of Shutdowns

• Shutdowns cause real pain for people and have consequences.
• Shutdowns have happened before over different issues such as Obamacare, DACA, and the border wall.
• Shutdowns cost billions of dollars and have an actual economic cost.

The Imminent Shutdown

• The government has a manual for shutdowns, and if it happens, it will start on the weekend.
• Air traffic controllers and the military won’t be paid during a shutdown.
• The blame for the current shutdown will fall on House Republicans.

Summary

The Showdown and Broken Promises

The impending government shutdown stems from a clash between House Republicans and Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy had made promises to hard-right conservatives, including a return to pre-COVID spending levels, but has failed to fulfill them. This has led to discontent among Republicans and a potential power struggle within the party.

McCarthy’s Political Survival

Kevin McCarthy, facing a similar crisis during the US debt ceiling debate, is determined to hold onto his position as Speaker of the House. He has resorted to political maneuvering, granting individual Republicans the power to call for his removal as Speaker. McCarthy’s actions reveal his willingness to risk the system to save his job.

Democrats’ Reluctance and Shutdown Consequences

Democrats, frustrated with McCarthy’s failure to honor agreements and his call to impeach President Biden, may not come to his aid in avoiding a shutdown. Shutdowns have real consequences, causing pain for people and incurring significant economic costs. The blame for the current shutdown will likely fall on House Republicans.

The Imminent Shutdown and Its Impact

If the government shutdown occurs, it will begin on the weekend, affecting essential services such as air traffic controllers and military personnel who won’t receive pay. Shutdowns have occurred in the past over various issues, and the current impasse highlights the need for a bipartisan resolution. The most viable solution being discussed only funds the government through November 17th, leaving room for further negotiations.

Conclusion

The US government stands on the precipice of a shutdown as House Republicans and Speaker Kevin McCarthy face off. The outcome of this showdown will have far-reaching consequences for the American people and the economy. As the clock ticks, the pressure mounts for a bipartisan resolution to avert a shutdown and ensure the smooth functioning of the government.