Bipartisan compromise needed to get Congress back to work
In October 2023, we were not supposed to be in the midst of a battle for who the next speaker of the House of Representatives would be. Our current crisis isn’t caused by some unexpected life event, like a death or illness or sudden accession to another office. It’s the result of the inability of Republicans in Congress to lead and govern.
As a result of this leadership chaos, the House floor, and therefore any legislation, is at a dangerous standstill. To say nothing of our need to pass annual government funding bills that should have been wrapped up this past summer, we are now operating on a temporary continuing resolution that funds our government but is set to expire Nov. 17. If we cannot make progress on our government funding bills, we will see a government shutdown that would be disastrous to Nevada families, communities and businesses.
On top of that, the crisis in the Middle East following Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel and the resulting humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and Israel demand action from Congress, as innocent, civilian Israeli and Palestinian lives are being harmed by Hamas terrorism. Congress’ ability to officially recognize the crisis with a resolution or provide relief and assistance where needed is being delayed. The same is true for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the battle for its citizens’ freedom and sovereignty.
The world is watching. Having Congress at a standstill like this does not help promote our ability to be an example and lead the world. Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen three Republicans either be speaker or be nominated by the GOP caucus to be the speaker. The fact is, none deserves that role. The latest nominee, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, specifically led the charge to throw out the presidential election results of Nevada in 2020 and was a key instigator of former President Donald Trump’s unwillingness to concede the election. That all resulted in the worst attack on our democracy, the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, which led to the death of multiple people, including some in law enforcement.
After losing his first vote for speaker, Jordan said no one in the Republican caucus was interested in a coalition government with Democrats. For the sake of our nation and our Congress, I hope he is wrong.
Our path forward is based on a bipartisan compromise with some level-headed members of the House Republican caucus who can prioritize the needs of the American people before their internal party politics. People over politics. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has already won the most votes for speaker this year. To put Americans first, five Republicans should join all the Democrats in our unanimous support for Jeffries as speaker.
The sooner Congress can return to work, the more secure our nation will be. We can pass the bills to fund government, stand with our allies, and keep the nation and the world’s economy moving. And the message to the American people, that a bipartisan coalition puts the people first, would help restore confidence in our democracy.
As Democratic leader, Jeffries has already delivered for the American people in this Congress. His leadership delivered the necessary votes to prevent our nation from going over the fiscal cliff and plunging our economy into a disastrous direction. And it was Jeffries who recently delivered the votes to save our nation from a complete shutdown, which would have hurt Nevada families and businesses.
The world is watching. The American people are watching. Families in Nevada need the security of our government being open, and we are ready to reopen the House floor and get Congress back to work.