The Facts
According to an official at the US Office of Management and Budget, the White House on Friday began the process of telling federal agencies to prepare for a shutdown following House Republican opposition to its own defense bill. This process is standard practice seven days ahead of an anticipated shut-down date.
On Thursday, the US House of Representatives voted 216-212 against an $886B defense appropriations bill. Five Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the measures.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Republicans have brought the House, and potentially the entire federal government, to a standstill thanks to circus-like infighting and a blind inability to understand the bigger picture. McCarthy must either cut a deal with the Democrats or give in to the far-right of his party — inevitably undermining his own position regardless of the decision made.
Republican narrative
More than anything, the House must be protected from the influence of the Democratic Party. Republican dissidents most likely will place party principles first — pushing pressure onto the Democrats as the funding deadline looms ever closer. The reckless policies of the Biden Admin. and his Democratic allies have created this political moment and soaring American debt.
