'Hell week' closing in on Republicans as recess looms

U.S. Senator John Neely Kennedy (R-LA) reacts as he speaks with members of the media outside the Senate chamber, following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and top Republican congressional leaders (REUTERS)

With three pieces of controversial legislation on the docket while another congressional recess looms, Republicans are facing “hell week” as they attempt to overcome resistance both from the Democrats and within their own party. While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has proven to be surprisingly adept at navigating internal GOP conflict, his colleagues are well aware that next week’s session will be an uphill battle due to party infighting.

Next week, the House tackles three much-debated measures. First, a long-term extension of Section 702 FISA, a surveillance package that bipartisan critics warn can be used to spy on American citizens without a warrant. Then there’s the farm bill, which advocates say will provide essential funding to agriculture, but opponents argue is too expensive and regulatory. And finally, the Senate-passed budget reconciliation resolution to fund ICE and Border Patrol, which has been argued over by Congress for months.

"Next week is going to be hell week," said Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas), according to Axios.

While opposition is to be expected from the Democrats, numerous Republican lawmakers have voiced firm opposition to various aspects of the aforementioned bills. When it comes to a FISA extension, for example, some in the GOP are expressing dissent in no uncertain terms.

"If you're not going to have warrants, I'm not going to play ball," declared Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN).

And when it comes to DHS funding, many House Republicans worry that the Senate won't go for another attempt at a reconciliation bill, so they’re aiming to make the current version as ambitious as possible. But when it comes to legislation, the more ambitious, the more difficult it is to get the necessary support.

"We're not there yet," admitted House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX).

Meanwhile, with DHS running out of money to pay its staff, the clock is ticking, and there are still many within the Republican caucus who have yet to be convinced

Driving these issues into a fury is the need for Republicans to prove to their constituents that they can govern and pass laws while in power. Without a list of accomplishments to take back home to voters their argument for re-election becomes very tough in an already tough election.

From Your Site Articles