CNN anchor Jake Tapper told Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) that Republicans “can’t govern” amid the familiar chaos surrounding House Republicans’ attempt to pass government funding legislation.
In an appearance on “The Lead” Friday, Lawler slammed President Joe Biden for not being involved in the negotiation process even though it was Donald Trump and his billionaire pal, Elon Musk, who tanked the original bipartisan spending deal.
“Where is Joe Biden? He’s the sitting president of the United States. Nobody has heard a word from Joe Biden or the White House,” Lawler said, according to a clip highlighted by Mediaite.
“And we’re eight hours away from a government shutdown,” he continued. “You know, this is why Washington is so broken.”
Tapper said he understands where Lawler is coming from but pointed out that there is always an increased risk of a government shutdown whenever Republicans control the House.
“With all due respect, Sir, you’re going after… a lame-duck Democratic president,” Tapper said. “Your conference, the House Republican conference, we go through this every single time Republicans control the House. You guys can’t pass legislation. You can’t govern.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was forced to pull a bipartisan spending deal after Musk and Trump forcefully came out against it and threaten to primary any Republican lawmaker who support the legislation.
A second attempt to pass another spending deal with Trump’s demand to raise the debt ceiling failed after Republicans revolt.
Johnson was finally able to pass a spending deal to avoid a government shutdown, hours before the deadline, with more support from Democrats than Republicans.
