But with a funding bill seemingly out of reach, all signs suggest that those entrenched positions will result in a long and painful government shutdown. And it may be enough to arouse a dormant group of centrists whose own interests favor a functional legislative branch. And adding to McCarthy’s bind is the pledge that conservatives will call for his ouster should he work with Democrats to avoid a shutdown. Moderate Republicans, flanked by House Democrats, seize upon the moment. Meanwhile, another possible path, however unlikely, appears open to willing Democrats and centrist Republicans.

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Persons: It’s, Kevin McCarthy – beholden, naysayers, McCarthy, ”, John Pitney Jr, Kevin McCarthy, ” McCarthy, won’t, –, Matt Glassman, ” Glassman, “ MAGA, they’ve, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Hakeem Jeffries, appropriators, rousers, Karen Hult, “ Organizations: White, Democrats, Republicans, GOP, Claremont McKenna College, Caucus, Democrat, Republican, Senate Democrats, Moderate, House Democrats, Government Affairs Institute, Georgetown University, House Republican, Democratic, Senate, Virginia Tech, Freedom Caucus