In a surprising turn of events on Tuesday morning, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy yielded to the demands of his right-wing faction, announcing an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden. However, this move has done little to alleviate the mounting pressure surrounding the impending government shutdown, slated to commence in a mere 18 days.
Following McCarthy’s declaration, conservative Republicans swiftly asserted their intent to persist in their battle, a move that could carry significant economic ramifications. Representative Matt Gaetz (R. Fla.) took the floor just moments later, asserting, “I rise today to serve notice,” while also issuing a challenge to his leader, remarking, “Sept. 30 is rapidly approaching and you have not put us in a position to succeed.”
Other conservatives echoed Gaetz’s stance, displaying scant indication of retreating from their fiscal demands, regardless of the impeachment inquiry. Representative Chip Roy (R-Tex.) took to Twitter, asserting “#NoSecurityNoFunding,” and Gaetz threatened to employ a maneuver known as a motion to vacate if McCarthy attempts to maintain government funding.
The September 30 deadline signifies the culmination of the US fiscal year, and inaction by Congress at this juncture would result in a government shutdown. Despite the impending threat, Gaetz remained resolute in his determination to unseat McCarthy over fiscal matters. In a call with reporters, Gaetz asserted, “If Kevin McCarthy puts a continuing resolution on the floor, it’s going to be shot chaser,” vowing to immediately initiate a motion to vacate the chair, followed by a vote.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also responded to the development, lauding McCarthy’s “real leadership” without reference to the looming shutdown. The decision by McCarthy to launch an impeachment inquiry of President Biden marks a departure from his initial commitment to initiate such proceedings through a floor vote. With the process now underway, proponents of the inquiry have outlined non-impeachment demands in exchange for an accord to keep the government operational. These encompass a spectrum of measures, from border security to term limits, championed by the House Freedom Caucus.
Ultimately, the Speaker’s announcement of an impeachment inquiry has failed to assuage the pressure stemming from the imminent government shutdown and the attendant potential for severe economic repercussions. Gaetz and his compatriots have unequivocally articulated their demands and are resolved to persist, even if their endeavors to unseat McCarthy ultimately prove unsuccessful.
Source: Yahoo Finance
