Title: Fractious House Republicans Face Shrinking Majority Amid Resignations and Scandals
Introduction:
Fractious House Republicans are facing the possibility of their already razor-thin majority shrinking to a single seat next year. Ill-timed resignations and scandals have taken their toll, according to members of Congress. This article explores the potential impact of these developments on the Republican Party’s majority in the House of Representatives.
Heading 1: Expulsion of Rep. George Santos and Upcoming Special Election
The current majority in the House of Representatives began to shrink after Rep. George Santos was expelled earlier this month. A special election for his Long Island seat is scheduled for February 1, 2024.
Heading 2: Looming Resignations of Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Bill Johnson
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is expected to retire by the end of the year, while Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) is anticipated to take up a more lucrative position as the president of Youngstown State University in March. These resignations will further deplete Republican ranks.
Heading 3: Potential Impact on Republican Majority
The potential loss of these seats could result in months-long vacancies and leave the final vote tally at 219 Republicans to 214 Democrats for weeks or even months next year. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-New Jersey) expressed concern about the dangerous math, stating that the party could easily be down to a majority of one.
Heading 4: Implications for Republican Priorities
If Democrats take control of the chamber, the party’s top priorities, including the Oversight Committee probe of the Biden family and the House impeachment inquiry of President Biden, would likely be put on hold. Republicans view themselves as the “wall” against the Democrats, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their majority.
Heading 5: House GOP’s Confidence in Maintaining Majority
House GOP number crunchers and individuals close to the National Republican Congressional Committee believe that the party will maintain at worst a two-vote majority. They also pointed out that Rep. Brian Higgins, a Democrat from Buffalo, will resign from Congress in February, providing some additional breathing space.
Heading 6: Challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson
A diminished House majority will further reduce Speaker Mike Johnson’s ability to manage his colleagues for upcoming spending and funding fights. Members of the House Freedom Caucus have already expressed dissatisfaction with Johnson’s leadership, citing the inclusion of “woke” dogma in a recent National Defense Authorization Act.
Heading 7: Democrats’ Response to GOP Disorder
Democrats are pleased with the disorder within the House GOP. Many are optimistic about the prospect of their leader, Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, becoming Speaker before the 2024 elections. Bronx Democrat Rep. Ritchie Torres gloated about House Republicans mismanaging their majority out of existence.
Conclusion:
Fractious House Republicans are facing challenges as their majority in the House of Representatives becomes increasingly fragile. Ill-timed resignations and scandals have already taken a toll, and upcoming special elections could further deplete their ranks. The potential consequences for Republican priorities and Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership are significant, while Democrats see an opportunity to capitalize on GOP disorder. The future of the Republican majority hangs in the balance as the 2024 elections approach.
