After a Tumultuous Week of Spending Negotiations, the House Is in Recess

Speaker McCarthy sent lawmakers home for the weekend without progress on appropriations, leaving a chance for the Senate to define the terms of the debate.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 19, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) reached a point of frustration on Sept. 21 after Republicans failed—for the second time—to pass a procedural vote to allow debate on the 2024 defense appropriations bill.

The failed vote capped a string of setbacks for Mr. McCarthy in trying to avert a government shutdown, which will be triggered when the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30 if Congress does not take action to ensure ongoing funding.