Democratic staffers on Capitol Hill have noticed the growing infighting within the House Republican party, exemplified by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s threat to call for a vote to oust Speaker Mike Johnson. While publicly avoiding giving Republicans “bulletin board material,” Democrats also aim to project seriousness as a contrast to their opposition’s disarray. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the focus on delivering results for the American people, despite the distractions caused by the Republican disunity. This disunity has manifested in various ways, including allowing Democrats to take on significant responsibilities in passing legislation.
An embarrassing defeat for House Republicans occurred when they lost a vote on a motion to recommit, with six Republicans voting with Democrats. This defeat highlighted the disarray within the GOP and resulted in a rare floor win for the Democratic minority. While Democratic leaders publicly offered to table Greene’s challenge to Johnson’s position, at the staffer level, there is some degree of amusement at the Republicans’ inability to unite. A House Democratic staffer expressed a mix of amusement and dread at the situation, acknowledging the need to maintain a certain level of decorum publicly.
The current situation in the House is unusual, with Republicans struggling to perform basic functions typically carried out by a majority party. Democrats are beginning to take a less deferential approach, feeling confident about a potential majority shift in the upcoming elections. However, they are wary of the implications of the House’s dysfunction, particularly in critical situations such as a national emergency or international incident. Rep. Maxwell Frost described the current state of affairs as the most unproductive Congress since the Great Depression, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Despite the potential for political gains, some Democrats expressed concern about the negative impact of the Republican party’s disarray on the institution of the House. Rep. Jim McGovern noted the dangers of a potential House shutdown if Johnson is ousted without a clear successor, emphasizing the need for a functioning legislative body. Rep. Bill Pascrell stressed the importance of repairing the institution itself, rather than focusing solely on party politics. While finding some humor in the chaos, Democrats also acknowledged the significance of maintaining a functioning and productive House of Representatives.
In conclusion, the disunity within the House Republican party has not gone unnoticed by Democratic staffers and lawmakers. While Democrats aim to stay focused on delivering results for the American people, they recognize the potential implications of the GOP’s internal struggles on the functioning of the House. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of a House shutdown and the impact on the institution as a whole. Despite some amusement at the Republicans’ misfortune, Democrats remain committed to upholding the integrity and productivity of the House of Representatives.
