Anyone believing the action Saturday to stave off a government shutdown would buy reprieve from congressional developments was sorely disappointed. Less than 12 hours after avoiding a lapse in funds, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) was on television announcing a bid to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy this week.
Here’s what we’re watching as things unfold.
1) That Gaetz challenge — McCarthy is going to need the votes of Democrats to survive this ouster bid, known as a motion to vacate. Olivia and Nick reported Sunday that Democrats will be in rare position of significant leverage over McCarthy’s fate. Democratic Whip Katherine Clark promised a “Caucus wide discussion” on how to respond if the motion is filed. The one thing we’re confident recommending: Prepare for a turbulent week ahead.
2) A new senator emerges — California Gov. Gavin Newsom late Sunday announced his appointment of Laphonza Butler, president of EMILY’s List and former California labor leader, as the replacement for the late-Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D). When sworn in — that’s expected on Wednesday — Butler will restore the 51-49 effective Democratic edge in the chamber. Look for a quiet battle on who will get Feinstein’s seat on the Judiciary and Appropriations committees to begin in earnest.
3) House Dem leadership shake — Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who’s been mulling a primary challenge to President Joe Biden, announced Sunday he would step down as co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. “My convictions relative to the 2024 presidential race are incongruent with the majority of my caucus, and I felt it appropriate to step aside from elected leadership,” he said in a statement.
