Averting the Government Shutdown: The Victory House Republicans Need Badly

It is time once again for Washington’s favorite sport or annual heartache, depending on who you ask; decisions on government spending have to be made. On November 14th, House Republicans voted for double measures to stop a government shutdown and the same night the Senate passed it. The result was to split House Republicans and touch off a new round of party infighting. While the more conservative elements in the party are angry at Speaker Johnson and others, they are missing the point. Namely, passing the measure was politically necessary especially if they want to remain in power in 2024. 

First off, averting the government shutdown solves a considerable problem Johnson and Republicans have heading into 2024. Democratic strategists, Axios illustrates, are laying plans to go after Johnson’s hardline and the vulnerable Republicans who voted for his speakership.  The Cook Political Report claims there are 10 Republican districts up for grabs. And the Washington Post breaks down breaks down how all but two representatives from those at-risk districts voted to avoid a shutdown.  To be able to govern, individuals and political parties first have to win the election. By removing this possible wedge issue, the representatives in those at-risk districts and the party got one step closer to a win. 

Secondly, the Freedom Caucus and MAGA House Republicans’ disapproval of the funding plan does not make sense.  For example “NO MONEY TO UKRAINE! CLOSE THE BORDER! STOP THE WEAPONIZED GOVERNMENT!” declares Representative Majorie Taylor Gereene on X, formerly Twitter. But that is not an honest assessment of what’s happening. Instead, what is happening is a delicate balancing act. Aimed at trying to govern responsibly, achieve policy objectives, and place the party in a positive position for 2024.  

Thirdly,  avoiding a government shutdown is Johnson’s way of moving past the chaotic way that led to him getting the speakership. The Guardian notes that Johnson was the fourth speaker nominee in three weeks.  Vox underscores that Johnson got the nomination and the speakership because leading Republicans like Reps. Jordan, Scalise, and Emmer couldn’t get the votes. So it is critical for both the speaker and the party to have a major win, such as avoiding the shutdown. It serves as a clear demonstration that somebody decisive is in charge and the party can lead.

Additionally, CNN reports the measure covers some critical expenses, including; building facilities for the military, providing services for veterans, improving transportation infrastructure, constructing homes, and supporting the Energy Department’s initiatives. Highlighting Republican’s positive stand on these issues serves two purposes. It puts Democrats on defense and helps Republicans court the votes of military personnel and veterans—a critical voting bloc.

Finally, avoiding a government shutdown to Republicans is a matter of principle but to the public, it is one more point for their disgust with Congress. Speaking with USA Today, Representative Scott Perry, Chair of the Freedom Caucus, cast resistance to the funding measures as a bid to reach policy goals. Such positioning suggests that the conflicting Republicans may be out of touch with what the public wants on the issue. Considering avoiding the shutdown has public support behind it. According to the latest Marist Poll surveying voters’ views on the shutdown,75 percent of Americans are against the use of shutdown maneuvering as a bargaining tactic. Also, had the Senate efforts failed and the government shut down, 49 percent of Americans would blame Republicans while 43 percent would blame President Biden or Democrats. Which would have only added to the strain House Republicans are already under. The passing of the double funding measures and avoiding a government shutdown is not the horrible disloyalty some Republicans paint it as. It gives people in competitive races a chance to avoid charges of extreme views. Which means Republicans get to maintain their current power. This is an opportunity for Republicans to give voters in 2024 something to vote for, rather than the Democrats giving them something to oppose, specifically, the party.