McCarthy faces power test in conservative revolt
by Mike Lillis - 06/12/23 6:00 AM ETHouse Republicans return to Washington on Monday after a humiliating week when conservative rebels brought floor action to a halt, foiled votes on GOP priorities and rekindled questions about the ability of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to guide his party through the tough policy fights in the months ahead.
Republican leaders have scheduled a series of suspension votes on Monday evening, featuring non-controversial bills expected to pass easily with Democratic support. But the real test will come Tuesday, when they’ve slated floor action on a second series of proposals — including the four bills that never reached the floor last week — that will require cooperation from the same conservative firebrands who blocked them the first time around.
The schedule reflects the ever-optimistic nature of McCarthy, who remains resolved to win back the hardliners’ confidence in time for the votes.
But it also represents a high-stakes roll of the dice, since the conservatives have shown no sign they’re ready to end the standoff — or even specify the leadership concessions that would prompt them to do so.
The dynamics set the stage for a week of high drama and uncertainty in a Republican Party already thrown on defense by last week’s history-making indictments of former President Trump, who remains the GOP standard bearer ahead of the 2024 elections.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4043351-mccarthy-power-test-conservative-revolt/
