• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Looming shutdowns, Hunter’s testimony, maybe an impeachment: Congress’ blockbuster week
Economy

Looming shutdowns, Hunter’s testimony, maybe an impeachment: Congress’ blockbuster week

by February 28, 2024
by February 28, 2024 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

There are blockbuster weeks on Capitol Hill, and then there are weeks like this one. 

Hunter Biden is testifying. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is explaining. A partial government shutdown is looming.

‘Congress hasn’t even finished our deadlines from the previous fiscal year. I mean, Oct. 1 was the deadline,’ fumed Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, on FOX Business. ‘Before I was in Congress, I was in manufacturing. And if you were making bad parts, you would at least stop making bad parts.’

Davidson observed that Congress continues to even make ‘bad parts, and we’re not even in session.’ 

Some conservatives say they are okay with a shutdown starting this weekend. They believe a shutdown would at least harness some spending.

‘A government shutdown is not ideal. But it’s not the worst thing,’ said the House Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Bob Good, R-Va. ‘The only leverage we have, when we have one branch, is to be willing to say no. To be willing to walk away.’

Conservatives are begging House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to abandon a government spending pact he crafted with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and others in early January. The accord did not fund the government — hence the funding problem lawmakers face this weekend. That agreement simply established the size of the money pie for fiscal year 2024. Leaders agreed that Congress would spend a grand total of $1.59 trillion for fiscal year 2024. But on what? And how? Those issues remain unresolved. That is why lawmakers have toiled over for nearly two months now – trying to slice $1.59 trillion into 12 separate appropriations bills. It was thought there may be an agreement over the weekend. However, matters imploded. 

Johnson told Fox News Tuesday that he is working to prevent the government spending from lapsing. 

‘We’re gonna prevent the shutdown. We’re working on it,’ Johnson said.

‘The problem is that Speaker Johnson is indecisive. He’s weak. He’s inexperienced and he does not have the votes. Not only because it’s a tight majority. But also because there is a far right group of House Republicans who are blocking him everywhere he wants to go,’ said Tom Kahn, a distinguished fellow at American University and former House Budget Committee staff director. ‘I think he’s afraid to make decisions because he’s afraid to lose his job. He saw what happened to his predecessor, (former House Speaker) Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.’

So, conservatives are now pushing an interim spending bill — something which was anathema to many on the right just a few months ago. They used to demand that Congress pass spending bills ‘by the book.’ One by one. Now, conservatives are okay with a stopgap plan, known as a continuing resolution (CR). Federal spending climbs year after year. A CR simply renews all the old funding — without an increase. This gambit maintains the old spending levels. It is not a cut, but there is no new funding. Thus, to conservatives, it saves money.

‘This is why I support a continuing resolution, which actually is going to force a 1% cut. $100 billion savings and maybe stabilize this inflation issue’ said Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., on Fox.

Democrats — and some Republicans — find this thinking outrageous.

‘It’s very disappointing to see that the House has been so unwilling to compromise and work together,’ said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. ‘We’ve just had obstacles every step of the way.’

However, most lawmakers are resigned to believing a CR may be the only way to avoid a shutdown. 

‘Things are pretty uncertain right now,’ said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Tex. ‘I think we’re heading toward a CR for some uncertain duration.’

The deadline is Friday night at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. 

‘It’s going to be hard enough to meet that 72-hour requirement by Friday,’ said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill. ‘So I don’t know if a CR is possible.’ 

Here is what is at stake. A partial shutdown stalls transportation and housing programs. It suspends money for agriculture and military construction. A government closure holds up energy and water projects.

However, a full shutdown for the entire federal government could hit at the end of the day on March 8. 

Top bipartisan Senate leaders are trying to avert a shutdown. 

‘The margin for error on any of these is razor thin. And unfortunately, the temptation to choose chaos and disorder instead of cooperation will be strong for some here in the Capitol,’ said Schumer. 

Schumer secured backup from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. 

‘Once more, a shutdown this week is entirely, avoidable,’ said McConnell. ‘Shutting down the government is harmful to the country. And it never produces positive outcomes – on policy or politics.’ 

However, not all lawmakers are focused on government spending.

Hunter Biden testifies behind closed doors on Wednesday before House investigators. Austin will explain to livid lawmakers on Thursday as to why he failed to inform the president or other Pentagon officials about his medical leave. Then, we’re on to a partial government shutdown Friday. 

This is just an average winter in Congress these days.

What about an impeachment trial for Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas? The House impeached Mayorkas on Feb. 13. No one really knows the timing of a Senate trial. Eleven House members will serve as ‘impeachment managers’ to prosecute the case before the Senate. But as to their roles and when a Senate trial might begin? The new uniform pants in Major League Baseball are more transparent. 

Several of the managers expressed frustration at the dearth of information about what roles they might play in an impeachment trial. One told Fox they had ‘no clear guidance’ from the GOP brass as to what to expect. 

In late 2019 and early 2020, Democratic House impeachment managers held ‘mock trial’ sessions and engaged in parliamentary calisthenics behind closed doors to prepare for the first impeachment trial of former President Trump. The Mayorkas managers have held no such sessions. That was why at least one impeachment manager worried that the Senate might demand the trial begin right away. That could make the House members appear foolish and amateurish. 

However, a senior House Republican leadership aide said that the brass had briefed all managers — adding they would be ‘fully prepared’ when a trial starts.

It was thought that the Senate may begin its trial as early as Wednesday, but Fox is told not to expect a trial this week. In fact, the impeachment trial may be on hiatus — until lawmakers figure out how to fund the government. 

So this week is a blockbuster as it is. 

But imagine what it would have been like had there also been the impeachment trial of Mayorkas — the first impeachment trial of a cabinet secretary since the 1870s.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Chip Roy demands sanctions on ICC officials going after US, Israel
  • Trump indicted a second time in election subversion case brought by special counsel Jack Smith
  • Biden admin sent millions to Hamas-linked UNRWA after Oct 7 attacks, before halting funding
  • Democrats call for AOC-endorsed NY lawmaker’s resignation over sexual misconduct claims
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Biden admin faces bipartisan backlash for allowing beef imports from Paraguay: ‘Cutting corners’
next post
Biden running out of time to fulfill 2020 campaign pledge to abolish federal death penalty

You may also like

Gallagher accuses Biden admin of being ‘divided’ on whether China...

January 26, 2023

Biden in Philadelphia budget speech refers to Trump as ‘maybe...

March 10, 2023

Special prosecutor to be named to probe Georgia Lt. Gov....

August 16, 2023

Nvidia Stock Slumps as Dow Futures Edge Lower

November 26, 2024

I left the Democrat Party and will do all I...

August 26, 2024

Stock Futures Lower after S&P 500 futures ticked down 0.18%

December 2, 2024

Initial Unemployment Claims Fall While Continuing Claims Jump

December 15, 2022

2022: The Year the “Lodger Evil” Came to Kansas and...

November 26, 2022

Obama-era deal to allow Hamas office in Qatar backfired on...

November 26, 2023

Biden administration rigged internal analysis, softening blow of power plant...

June 29, 2023

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout, pulls outlook

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025
    • The Unpredictable Stock Market: How to Make Sense of It

      May 8, 2025
    • AMD CEO calls China a ‘large opportunity’ and warns against strict U.S. chip controls

      May 7, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,632 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,339 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,320 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,303 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,186 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout,...

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Biden’s former Iran envoy, placed on...

    August 17, 2023

    Who are some of the Biden-appointed...

    December 23, 2023

    With 9 weeks to go until...

    November 14, 2023
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here