U.S. Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) says that a "perfect storm" is getting ready to hit the U.S. House of Representatives and that the storm could be particularly problematic for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Buck said as much on Sunday, during an appearance on MSNBC's Inside with Jen Psaki.
As the show's name would suggest, it is hosted by Jen Psaki, the former White House press secretary of the Biden administration.
During the interview, the two spoke about what to expect when the House returns from recess.
Buck told Psaki, "I think there’s a perfect storm brewing in the House in the near future in September."
Buck went on to suggest that there are at least three different forces that are coming together to produce this "perfect storm."
Buck said:
On the one hand, we've got to pass a continuing resolution. We also have the impeachment issue. And we also have members of the House, led by my good friend, [U.S. Rep.] Chip Roy [R-TX], who are concerned about policy issues. They want riders in the appropriations bills, amendments in the appropriations bills that guarantee some type of security on our Southern border.
Part of the problem is that some of these things - such as the passing of a continuing resolution to temporarily fund some government functions while Congress decides upon appropriations - are controversial even among House Republicans. The same can be said for impeaching President Joe Biden.
To provide some more context here, Buck, himself, is for a continuing resolution and against an impeachment of Biden.
Buck went on to suggest that McCarthy may end up being the target of this "perfect storm."
"So, you take those things put together, and Kevin McCarthy, the speaker, has made promises on each of those issues to different groups. And, now it is all coming due at the same time," Buck said.
Buck, here, is referring to the fact that he had to make various concessions to his fellow House Republicans in order to gain the House speakership position. And, if McCarthy does not follow through on his promises, then the arrangement is such that he could be ousted.
Buck was asked directly, by Psaki, whether he thinks that McCarthy will be able to survive the "perfect storm." Buck answered in the affirmative, saying, "I don’t see anybody else that really has risen up and is willing to take on this job."
This will certainly be something to keep an eye on when the House resumes this month.
