Speaker Kevin McCarthy and GOP rebels have reportedly reached a truce, curbing the chaos stemming from efforts to take over the House floor.
Republican hardliners have been storming out of meetings and blocking a number of bills over the past few weeks due to decisions made by McCarthy and his inner circle. They believe that the speaker has left them out of important discussions, specifically involving the recent debt deal.
The right-wing members left an hour-long conference on Monday, claiming they would surrender their strike if GOP leaders agreed to various conditions. In return, the conservatives would also help advance bills that have been delayed due to the protest, such as two that will push back against regulations on pistol braces and gas stoves.
Although things have calmed down in the House, the fight is not over.
McCarthy has acknowledged the still-existing tensions on topics like the debt deal, admitting that “The only thing we agreed to is we would sit down and talk more in the process,” he said.
The GOP fight over government spending is a complicated issue, and the recent events have served as a reminder to McCarthy and his allies that support from his party is fragile and contingent on their cooperation with and inclusion of everyone in the House.
Some do not believe that the standoff is indicative of a recurring pattern of disruption from right-wing Republicans but do agree that those in opposition could derail future House efforts.
“I don’t think there’s any certainty, with such a narrowly divided House, other than the fact that we have got to come to the conclusion that we can get more done together than separately,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota). “There are going to be times where I think we irritate one another. And we’re going to have to take another pause.”
