Amidst the Republican bid for enhanced authority, aiming for Senate and White House control via November’s ballots, it’s crucial to assess their stewardship in the House. The 118th Congress, presided over initially by Speaker Kevin McCarthy and now Mike Johnson, has garnered criticism for its lackluster performance, churning out a mere 47 laws.
This stands in stark contrast to the historic productivity of the “do-nothing Congress” of the 1940s, which passed 906 bills. Additionally, many bills passed under the current GOP majority have been primarily focused on averting government shutdowns, with Johnson’s leadership witnessing brinksmanship tactics before a $1.2 trillion spending bill was finally approved in the early hours of Saturday.
Johnson’s elevation to Speaker, following McCarthy’s ousting by the “Gaetz eight” for his role in a debt-limit deal, was met with skepticism. His ascension, propelled not by legislative prowess but by his involvement in Donald Trump’s election denial efforts, has raised eyebrows.
Johnson’s tenure has been marked by controversy, including facing potential repercussions for his handling of the government’s funding. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to remove Johnson underscores the internal discord within the GOP caucus, with some members expressing discontent.
While Greene’s motion sparked debate, Congress adjourned for a two-week recess, leaving uncertainty about its fate upon return. The prevailing atmosphere among lawmakers as they departed Washington was described as tense, with discontent simmering amid minimal legislative achievements and the looming November election.
Despite Johnson’s alignment with Trumpist ideologies, his ineptitude as Speaker has led to dwindling support within his party. With House Republicans now facing a slim majority, compounded by key departures including Mike Gallagher and discontent voiced by departing members like Ken Buck, the party’s unity is under strain.
The decision of influential figures such as committee chairs Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Mark Green to not seek reelection, alongside Granger’s early resignation from the House Appropriations Committee, reflects a broader trend of discontent and disengagement within the party. Johnson’s leadership has been marred by missteps, notably his failure to prevent the removal of George Santos, which undermined his credibility.
As Johnson grapples with internal dissent and a shrinking majority, the dysfunction within the GOP caucus persists. Despite attempts to rally against perceived Democratic overreach, the party’s inability to present a cohesive front underscores the challenges facing American democracy in an era marked by polarizing political rhetoric and internal strife.