There’s no question McCarthy is leading the charge

OPINION:

Ninety-four percent. That’s how many Republicans (out of 213) voted against the infrastructure bill.

Or, put it this way: only 6% voted for it. 

Compare that to the 38% of Republican Senators (out of 50) who voted for the infrastructure bill.

All things being equal – one would reason the House Republican conference largely stood together on the bill. 

But understanding that all things might not be equal – let’s go deeper. 

For months, there have been numerous House Republicans openly supportive of the Senate-passed infrastructure bill – including three that are retiring from Congress. 

The Democrats knew this. What prevented the Democrat majority from bringing the bill to the floor was knowing Republicans had whittled down the potential “yes” votes to the low teens, along with the threat from progressives to bring double-digit “no” votes to the floor. Eventually, the progressive caucus’ bluff was called and they were exposed. 

With only six Democrat “no” votes – Republican “yes” votes would have to be held to two to defeat the bill.

See above: Three retiring Republicans and several openly “yes” votes for months. 

Republicans knew our vote count. The progressives clearly didn’t. 

With a $4 trillion socialist payoff on the floor this week, Americans are looking to the party – and its leadership — that has been working to expose its damaging impacts, fight against its passage, and offer what we know can be done to get our country back on track. There’s no question that Leader Kevin McCarthy and the House Republican Conference are leading that charge.  

• Matt Sparks is head of communications for House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy