OPINION: Republicans must steer clear of a government shutdown as election day approaches
As we head into the November elections, it’s critical for voters to witness the GOP’s capability to manage government effectively, a task they have struggled with in recent years.
The current government funding agreement is set to expire on September 30, heightening the chances of a government shutdown unless Congress takes action.
If you’ve been following the developments, you’ll notice that there are scant signs of a forthcoming agreement. The upcoming days will be pivotal as Congress members engage in negotiations. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has already struggled to garner unified support from his party on this matter.
Negotiating budget appropriations often resembles a high-stakes game; at times, neither side is willing to budge. Allowing a government shutdown to occur would have negative repercussions for everybody involved.
However, Republicans would face the steepest consequences, particularly with the election looming and Donald Trump potentially stirring chaos in the process.
Avoiding a shutdown should be a priority for House GOP
A government shutdown is not just an ordinary obstruction in Congress; it has tangible effects. If there’s no funding agreement, government employees won’t receive their pay, and individuals reliant on government services will face significant disruptions.
A shutdown that disrupts essential aspects of daily American life could severely harm the Republican Party’s chances in November, making it crucial for them to handle this situation with care. Taking the fall for a shutdown would remind voters of the GOP’s wobbly history of leading Congress.
Unsurprisingly, former President Trump has complicated Johnson’s plans to keep operations running smoothly.
The Republican presidential candidate has publicly advised House Republicans against accepting any solution that doesn’t include measures to prevent undocumented immigrants from voting in federal elections, an assertion that Trump’s team claims to be widespread, even though it is exceedingly uncommon.
While legislation to curb undocumented immigrants from voting seems generally acceptable, the specific demand from Trump provides Democrats an opportunity for confrontation.
Democratic resistance to such a requirement won’t damage their popularity among constituents but could compel Republicans to make significant compromises in return.
Keep in mind, both the House and Senate need to agree on funding legislation, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast the deciding vote. This situation could further enhance her presidential campaign.
This situation puts Democrats in a position to push the GOP for concessions on their agendas, leading to the same internal disputes within the Republican party that have been rampant in the past.
GOP leaders should understand the crucial need to prevent a shutdown at all costs, a sentiment echoed by veteran Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.
GOP must build voter trust
As the November elections approach, it’s essential for voters to see that the GOP is capable of managing the government efficiently, a responsibility they haven’t fulfilled in recent years.
Trump’s compelling performance during the presidential debate against President Joe Biden can be attributed to his composed demeanor, where he almost presented himself as mature. Yet, he appears to have strayed from this approach, complicating the situation for Johnson and congressional Republicans at an unfortunate time.
Competence is a vital quality in politics; any indication to the contrary should be sidestepped. Many Americans are likely to doubt the GOP’s ability to effectively govern, regardless of Biden’s shortcomings. Listening to Trump won’t help improve this perception.
Throughout Biden’s presidency, internal conflicts within the Republican Party have overshadowed even his perceived failures in office, exacerbated by the House speaker debates and contentious issues related to aid for Ukraine.
Another display of dysfunction as the election nears could be a pivotal factor in the upcoming November elections. It’s in the best interest of Republicans to
They need to put aside their differences and sincerely collaborate on finding a resolution instead of arguing about internal party conflicts in front of the nation.
Dace Potas is an opinion columnist for YSL News and holds a political science degree from DePaul University.