Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-LA) fractured Republican caucus has created a legislative gridlock in the House, contrasting sharply with Senate Majority Leader John Thune's (R-SD) productive chamber.
Politico reports, the time to vote for legislation is growing increasingly limited.
Johnson's inability to unite his factions has led to repeated vote postponements, prompting GOP lawmakers to stay home to prepare for midterm elections. With only 38 scheduled legislative days remaining before Election Day, Republicans are avoiding Washington rather than risk floor defeats Johnson cannot guarantee against.
Senior GOP aides acknowledge it is preferable to cancel votes entirely than endure public humiliation.
Johnson's majority has been further weakened by Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s (R-NJ) absence since March due to health matters.
Recent defeats expose Johnson's vulnerability: Republicans defected on a Smithsonian bill vote and another GOP rebellion threatened passage of an Iran hostilities resolution.
As one senior House Republican muttered, "We just gotta get out of here."
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