House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Sunday warned conservatives threatening to block government funding legislation that a federal shutdown would benefit their political opponents and undermine Republicans’ policy objectives.
“A shutdown would only give strength to the Democrats. It would give the power to Biden,” the California Republican said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo.” “It wouldn’t pay our troops, it wouldn’t pay our border agents and more people would be coming across. I actually want to achieve something.”
Congress must pass funding legislation by month’s end to avert an Oct. 1 shutdown. Hardline House Republicans want more stringent spending cuts than what Mr. McCarthy and President Biden agreed to earlier this year during negotiations to avoid a default on the national debt.
Some Republicans, such as Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, are going so far as to threaten a motion to vacate Mr. McCarthy as speaker.
“I believe our best step forward: pass appropriations bills so we’re stronger,” Mr. McCarthy said. “Take the wokeism out and secure our border to make America stronger.”
• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
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