A maverick Republican congresswoman says she gained’t caucus with the social gathering, narrowing the already slim GOP margin within the Home of Representatives to as little as only one vote and doubtlessly making it harder to enact President-elect Trump’s agenda.
Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Indiana) tweeted that she’s going to concentrate on the budget-cutting effort of the newly created Division of Authorities Effectivity, or DOGE, and gained’t settle for any committee assignments from the Republican management.
“I do not need to be involved in circuses. I would rather spend more of my time helping …save our Republic, as was mandated by the American people,” Spartz stated.
If the independent-minded suburban Indianapolis lawmaker means what she says, it might cut back the Republican edge in seats gained within the 2024 election to simply 219 in comparison with 215 for Democrats.
Speaker of the Home Mike Johnson, R-La., talks to reporters earlier than a gathering on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Picture/Jose Luis Magana)
The ugly GOP math is even worse than it appears as a result of scandal-tarred ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) already resigned his seat and has stated he gained’t rejoin the brand new Congress in January.
Two extra lawmakers, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-New York) and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Florida), are anticipated to step down after Trump takes workplace on Jan. 20 as a result of they’re anticipated to be confirmed to Cupboard posts.
Meaning Home Speaker Mike Johnson might discover himself with only a 216-215 edge for not less than a number of weeks till particular elections might be held for what he hopes will probably be Republican replacements to take up these vacant seats.
His plight may very well be eased considerably if any Democrats depart Congress. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) is alleged to be into account to guide Trump’s Federal Emergency Administration Company, which would scale back the Democratic caucus to 214.
The slim majority will doubtless make it very tough for Johnson to go even the spending payments wanted to maintain the federal government operating, that are thought-about to be the naked minimal for the Home.
It’s removed from clear that Johnson will be capable to push by means of Trump’s sweeping plans for a large and dear crackdown on undocumented immigrants and new tax cuts for firms and the wealthy.
Up to now two years, Johnson was pressured to show to Democrats to safe sufficient votes to go spending payments and even to permit him to maintain the speaker’s gavel.
That’s as a result of small teams of right-wing Republicans are bitterly against spending payments basically and compromising with moderates on pricey points like support and subsidies for farmers.
Democratic Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries was keen to play ball with Johnson whereas President Biden was within the White Home, however he’s unlikely to lend a serving to hand now that Trump is in cost.
