As the House gears up for its return next week, brace yourselves for an electrifying showdown that could put the relationship between Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to the ultimate test.
In the initial years of President Joe Biden’s administration, these senior Republicans were in lockstep on most fronts. They joined forces to combat the left’s multitrillion-dollar social spending plan, obliterated plans for a bipartisan commission on the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol siege, and vehemently criticized the president’s hasty Afghanistan withdrawal. McConnell even backed McCarthy staunchly during debt ceiling negotiations, championing spending cuts in exchange for raising the nation’s borrowing cap.
However, the winds of change are blowing, and McCarthy, facing mounting pressure from conservatives, may soon find himself on a collision course with his Kentucky counterpart over issues ranging from a potential government shutdown to a Biden impeachment and a colossal Ukraine funding debate.
The sparks are already flying.
Upon their return next week, House Republicans, under McCarthy’s leadership, plan to forge ahead with appropriations bills that fall well below the spending levels agreed upon during bipartisan debt discussions with the White House. In stark contrast, McConnell has made it clear that he expects House Republicans to honor their commitment and accept more substantial spending figures.
This week, McConnell rallied his members to support the White House’s request for a $40 billion supplemental spending package to fund disaster relief and Ukraine aid—a measure that Democrats seek to attach to a temporary spending measure averting a government shutdown on October 1. McCarthy, on the other hand, is contemplating separating the two issues and demanding increased border funding in exchange for the $24 billion Ukraine boost.
While McCarthy flirts with the notion of impeaching Biden, McConnell, who has a long history with the president from their Senate days, expressed disapproval of the idea last month. He cautioned against the proliferation of impeachment, emphasizing its rarity and the potential harm it could cause to the country.
McConnell and McCarthy have clashed before, as McCarthy remains a key ally of former President Donald Trump, while McConnell holds reservations about Trump’s impact on the Republican Party’s fortunes. Their divisions also extend to recent bipartisan infrastructure and CHIPS bills, with McConnell and a core group of Senate Republicans supporting Democrats to pass these major bills, while McCarthy whipped his members against both, citing concerns over their price tags.
These two leaders couldn’t be more different. McCarthy is talkative, engaging with reporters, and connecting with his members on a personal level. In contrast, McConnell is reserved, often tight-lipped, and maintains a stoic demeanor. Their political circumstances are also worlds apart, with McCarthy constantly under threat from the right-wing of his party, while McConnell enjoys unwavering support from his members.
Yet, they maintain a cordial relationship, regularly meeting when Congress is in session. They have collaborated closely since McCarthy assumed the role of GOP leader after Paul Ryan’s retirement. During Trump’s impeachment in 2019, their offices shared information, strategized, and commiserated over the unpredictable president’s antics. McConnell also publicly supported McCarthy during his struggle for the speakership.
While their differences may be more pronounced this month, don’t expect any public fireworks between these leaders. They still share common ground on certain issues, and as shrewd political tacticians, they know how to leverage the dynamics of the other chamber to their advantage. Importantly, both leaders have a longstanding practice of not dictating the other’s actions or how to run their respective chambers.
However, as tensions escalate and skirmishes unfold among their GOP rank-and-file members, these niceties will be put to the test like never before. Get ready for an electrifying clash that could redefine the balance of power in the Republican Party.
