As Shutdown Looms, McCarthy Struggles to Unite Caucus, Advance GOP Priorities

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, taking advantage of infighting among House Republicans, is ready to seize the initiative in the 2024 appropriations fight.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks with reporters during a news conference in Washington on Sept. 19, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) had the first move in setting 2024 spending levels for the federal government. Spending bills generally originate in the House, just as white gets the first move in chess. That’s a great advantage.

Chess players call it tempo. Athletes refer to it as momentum. Warfighters call it the initiative. The one who makes the first move has an opportunity to control the pace of the game.