“I want my Republican colleagues to give me one thing—one—that I can go campaign on and say we did. One!” - Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, 21st district
Representative Chip Roy raises a fair question. What exactly have House Republicans accomplished? The new Congress began in chaos as Republicans began with the simple task of electing a Speaker, which erupted into a ridiculous spectacle rather than a brief and effortless ceremony, perfectly foretelling how the Republican majority would govern. Indeed, the most work the Republicans seem to have done during this session was the fifteen-ballot ordeal to confirm Kevin McCarthy as Speaker. This, of course, was only a taste of crazy meant to whet our appetites - as in an even more dramatic act, Matt Gaetz vacated the Chair and ousted Mr. McCarthy - the first time a speaker has been recalled.
And what do the Republicans have to show for it? There is hardly any difference between Mr. McCarthy and Speaker Mike Johnson. Compelling President Biden to tighten border security appears to have been torpedoed from within; we remain stuck squabbling about aid to Ukraine and Israel and continue to decry government spending while simultaneously passing omnibus spending packages. We’ve been gifted with the latest reality show, “The Real House Republicans of D.C.,” where we are treated to hallway fights between members, petty feuds at the new high school lunch tables—also known as caucuses—and representatives rushing to the media cameras like moths to a flame.
This week, however, may have been the most eventful. In a single Friday, a minority of Republicans and all Democrats passed a large spending package, sparking fury among the more conservative elements of the GOP. Consequently, Marjorie Taylor Greene initiated a fresh motion to vacate the Speaker's Chair, targeting Johnson for the sin of collaborating with the Democrats and, in the process, bringing Congressional proceedings to a complete standstill.
And now the grownups want out, as evidenced by the cascade of Republican resignations.
First was Ken Buck, a tea partier from Colorado and Freedom Caucus founder, who announced his premature departure after lamenting how the house had become “dysfunctional” full of “just...bickering and nonsense” and blasting Republicans who are “lying to America” about the 2020 election. Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Buck remarked, “It is the worst year of the nine years and three months that I've been in Congress.” His resignation became effective yesterday, slimming down the already precarious Republican majority.
The most shocking announcement, and concerning, for the Republicans and their future was the departure of Mike Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher, a former Marine, emerged as a rising star in the new majority, chairing a new House committee aimed at addressing the challenges posed by China. Mr. Gallagher warned that the rivalry between the United States and China is “an existential struggle over what life will look like in the 21st century”. Despite being just thirty-nine, Gallagher's insights and sober approach reflected the wisdom and vision often associated with that of elder statesmen rather than a four-term congressman.
But he soon found himself at odds with the rest of the conference, notably clashing with the majority due to his refusal to vote for the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas. The initial effort failed due to his single swing vote, which was a total surprise, like Senator John McCain's infamous thumbs down on the Obamacare repeal. Mr. Gallagher believed that it was a misuse of the impeachment process and opened a pandora’s box to be weaponized against Republicans in the future - and although he opted against changing his vote, the Republicans managed to pass it the second time. After its passage, Mr. Gallagher also announced his intention to expedite his departure, with his imminent resignation bringing the Republican majority down to a narrow one seat.
Mr. Gallagher’s departure may have been a surprise, though it is anything but. The truth is that this present Republican majority has no interest in advancing any agenda or policy vision. Republicans do not commend their peers who engage in the arduous task of crafting legislation; instead, they attack with vitriol. Consider the treatment of Senator James Lankford, who has been made a ‘persona non grata’ for the crime of attempting to reach a bipartisan agreement on the border.
Even though Mr. Lankford's negotiated agreement was inadequate, its swift and prejudiced defeat before it was even read showed a motivation by the Republicans rooted more in keeping the border an election issue rather than being policy or principle-based opposition. The agreement, which persuaded a president previously indifferent to the border crisis he incited to endorse a bill that ultimately decreased the number of illegal immigrants, was a positive development. House Republicans could have scored a major legislative victory on an issue of great concern to the American public. Instead, the bill was sabotaged, its supporters incorrectly labeled as RINOS and traitors, and a promise by Republicans to their constituents to secure the border this term was broken.
And it all stems from one uncomfortable truth. The Republican majority is more myth than fact. House Republicans bear a more remarkable resemblance to Somalia, where various warlords vie for dominance of the government and perpetuate a continuous civil war. Mr. Gaetz and Mrs. Taylor-Greene have plunged the House into such chaos that the remnants of what is considered the 'Republican establishment' must seek the support of Hakeem Jeffries and his Democrats to enact any legislation. The House is a de facto coalition government where Republicans and Democrats share power. Considering how the House is now down to a one-seat majority, any single member can derail legislation that hinges on party lines.
Alarming, wouldn't you say?