So, it looks like Kevin McCarthy will become "Speaker." His concessions to the Chaos Caucus will basically neuter the power of the office and set the stage for a dysfunctional House, almost certainly a government shutdown and possibly even a sovereign debt crisis. Yay, Kevin! Good job!
My question at this point is about the rule changes that will allow the Chaos Caucus the opportunity for endless fuckery. My understanding is that those rule changes are the linchpin of the concessions McCarthy made. My other understanding - which I concede might be wrong - is that all rule changes require an up or down vote in the House.
What's to prevent a moderate faction from torpedoing those rule changes? Especially some that threaten a debt crisis? There is also the concession to pass a balanced budget. Any balanced budget would require incredibly painful cuts in things like education, elderly benefits and possibly even defense. Why would a rep from a Biden district commit political suicide like that?
I can see an outcome where McCarthy becomes Speaker, but the House reverts to chaos almost immediately. Imagine the caterwauling if McCarthy promises the Chaos Caucus these rule changes...and then the rule changes fail.
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