Uncompromising Expectations

On January 7, 2023, the 118th Congress elected Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) Speaker of the House of Representatives. McCarthy’s victory was long in the making. As majority leader for then Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), McCarthy had been poised to replace the outgoing leader in 2015. His elevation, however, was blocked by many of the same obstinate, conservative voices that drove Boehner to retire mid-session. ABSTRACT: The book concludes with a broader discussion of the legislative dilemma facing members of Congress and the institution as a whole. The chapter begins by considering the recent turmoil in the US House with the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). This tumultuous period exemplifies the challenges that nationalization presents for congressional leaders as they seek to negotiate must-pass legislation that inherently requires compromise. The electorate has been conditioned to expect their government to produce important national policy, but is also composed of highly engaged partisans that are unwilling to accept compromise from their team. Though smaller in number, the voices of activists ring louder in the ears of politicians (e.g. Rep. Matt Gaetz), especially in today's nationalized media environment. Officeholders, particularly on the right, heed the message of their base, as each legislative step is made with an eye to the potential reaction of vigilant policy activists. For cases like the removal of Speaker McCarthy, there is rarely one causal issue or mistake. That said, the episode is emblematic of the challenges facing contemporary leaders as they navigate a legislative process where compromise is perceived as detrimental to an individual's electoral success. Under such conditions, Congress runs the risk of producing little more than gridlock and dysfunction.