With Midterms Coming Up, G.O.P. Is Bogged Down in Congress
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- With midterm elections approaching, congressional Republicans are struggling to focus on addressing the high cost of living due to internal disagreements and lack of consensus on key legislation.
- Republicans are entangled in intraparty conflicts over surveillance powers, a stalled voter ID bill, and a major housing bill caught in House-Senate disputes, limiting legislative progress.
- The Homeland Security Department has been partially shut down for nearly 70 days, while rising gas prices driven by the war in Iran add to voter concerns.
- GOP leaders are pushing a controversial, filibuster-proof budget maneuver to fund immigration enforcement through the rest of Trump's term, bypassing traditional appropriations processes.
- Some Republicans are frustrated with the leadership's narrow approach to the $70-billion budget bill, fearing it misses an opportunity to deliver voter benefits ahead of the midterms.
