Hardline conservatives in the U.S. House have agreed to stop antagonizing Republican leadership, and they've united to make life miserable for the Democratic majority.
Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) gave his blessing last week to members of the Freedom Caucus to halt floor action for hours last week in protest of a Democratic measure against government shutdowns as part of a coordinated strategy against their common enemy, reported Politico.
Just two months ago, the ultra-conservative flank tried to bump McCarthy out as GOP leader, but now he's plotting political stunts with Freedom Caucus leader Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC).
“I can come up with all kinds of creative ways to slow down the floor progress," Meadows told Politico. "Those creative ways are being used in a unified way in the minority."
Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY) has been helping McCarthy coordinate attacks against Democratic investigations of Trump, using tactics borrowed from Freedom Caucus bomb-thrower Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).
“You need the conference to work as one," McCarthy said. "You work as one, we’re stronger. I feel we’re very unified.”
McCarthy admitted he hasn't always had a good relationship with Freedom Caucus leadership, but he and other GOP leaders agree they must stick together in hopes of restoring their majority next year.
“You're in the minority — your choice is either swim together or sink together,” said Rep. Mark Walker, vice chairman of the House Republican Conference. “Next thing, they’ll be having drinks together.”
