In a stunning defeat, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy have both suffered major setbacks in their respective efforts to control their respective party caucuses.
On Monday, the Senate voted to strip Senator Ron Johnson, a staunch ally of House Minority Leader McCarthy, of his key committee posts. The move was an attempt by McConnell—who had previously been critical of Johnson’s handling of the events surrounding the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol—to rein in McCarthy and his hold over the House GOP.
McCarthy had reportedly been pushing for Johnson to remain in his powerful posts so that he could continue to effectively advocate for the GOP’s conservative agenda. However, a number of moderate and progressive senators were not having any part of it, voting to remove Johnson from his positions in an effort to restore the Senate’s institutional integrity.
Meanwhile, McConnell was dealt another blow when he failed to convince eight Republican senators to reject President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID relief package. Though McConnell had initially argued that the plan was too costly, the majority of GOP senators saw the legislation as necessary to help Americans weather the economic effects of the pandemic.
The Republican losses highlight the growing rift between McCarthy and McConnell, as both men grapple for control of their respective caucuses. The defeat also underscores the struggles that the GOP will continue to face in the current political landscape, with moderate and progressive lawmakers gaining more influence in the upper chamber.
It remains to be seen how McConnell and McCarthy will respond to the setbacks. It is clear, however, that both men will have to make serious compromises if they are to move forward and retain their leadership positions.
“Control Crisis: McCarthy and McConnell Take a Hit
