A New Yr, a brand new Congress, and a divided authorities. But, Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, of Pennsylvania, and Democrat Josh Gottheimer, of New Jersey, nonetheless imagine that, in a splintered, GOP-held Home, good issues can occur. “Most individuals have by no means heard of us,” Fitzpatrick stated. “They’re like, ‘Actually? There is a group of Democrats and Republicans really get collectively and sit down?'”
“Is it sensible which you can really remedy the issues subsequent yr?” requested Costa.
“Sure, and we’ve no selection. We’ve got to.”
However these moderates, who lead the Drawback Solvers Caucus, may face challenges from problem-makers. Costa requested, “How do you get consideration in case you’re competing in opposition to a bomb thrower?”
“Nicely, we get issues completed,” Gottheimer replied. “So, when the infrastructure invoice received throughout the end line, that was us, together with our Senate colleagues, negotiating for months. You realize, there would have been nothing versus getting one thing completed.”
However earlier than any offers, many Republicans say it is time for investigations. Rep. James Comer, of Kentucky, the rating member of the Home Oversight Committee (whose fellow Republicans had been investigating the Biden household), stated on November 17, “I need to be clear: That is an investigation of Joe Biden, and that is the place this committee will focus on this subsequent Congress.”
Costa requested New York Occasions Journal author Robert Draper, “It looks like you may have a bucket of chilly water to pour upon any hope that that is going to be a cheery Congress?”
“It is cheery in case you loved dysfunction!” he laughed.
Draper is the writer of “Weapons of Mass Delusion: When the Republican Celebration Misplaced Its Thoughts.”
Penguin Press
He stated, “For these individuals who want to see issues really get completed, I do not assume that this Republican convention is at present outfitted for that. They’re method too fractious, and I believe the loudest voices within the room are those who’re much more enthusiastic about politics as efficiency artwork than they’re within the nitty-gritty of governance.”
Costa stated, “There’s a shadow that falls over Capitol Hill, nonetheless, from January 6; you may have so many Republicans within the Home who’re attempting to overturn the election, they usually’re nonetheless there, proper?”
“That is right, and there usually are not solely Republicans who’re nonetheless there who voted to not certify the election, however there are Democrats who effectively keep in mind that,” Draper replied.
And a few Republicans say impeachment is on the desk.
“After we activate the TV within the spring, will it simply be investigation after investigation, listening to after listening to, in regards to the Biden household and the Biden administration?” Costa requested.
“Within the quick, sure,” stated Draper. “I believe that is the low-hanging fruit that Republicans, for essentially the most half, can agree on – that it will be the get together of payback once they take again the bulk.”
Historical past, nevertheless, reveals presidents can push again. And always remember that they maintain that veto pen.
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Story produced by Ed Forgotson and Amy Wall. Editor: Remington Korper.
