Republicans are entering a months-long stretch of legislating with their smallest House majority in decades. And the margin is about to tighten even more.
Departures from the House have whittled down the Republican caucus from 222 to 219, meaning the party can only afford to lose two members and still pass legislation when everyone is attending and voting.
Another Republican, Rep. Ken Buck (Colo.), announced Tuesday that he would vacate his seat at the end of next week.
Meanwhile, Congress is staring down a deadline next Friday to fund about 70 percent of the government — including the Defense, State and Homeland Security departments. It could further complicate a stalled border security bill and aid package for Ukraine and Israel.
Democrats are likely to add another lawmaker to their ranks after a special election in a deep-blue, Buffalo-area district in late April. The next special election in a red district isn’t until May 21.
I believe we ought to take a leaf from the Arch-Conservative’s book to address the big issue
“No actually, we don’t have to negotiate a new budget with you to keep the government funded and running, that would be stupid and a compromise of national security.”