, Columnist
Shutdown Politics Just Got Harder for Kevin McCarthy
A Senate deal to keep the government open will force the speaker to choose between rival Republican factions.
What will he do?
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The Senate has agreed on bipartisan legislation to avert a government shutdown, for a few more weeks at least, and now House Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces a question: Does he accept its offer now or later?
Amid all the intrigue, this much is certain: If the House takes up the Senate bill, it will pass. If McCarthy decides to call for a vote this week, he risks losing his job but may avoid a shutdown. If he decides to take it up next week or after, he risks paying the political costs of a shutdown — and losing his job anyway.