The current shutdown deal between Republicans and Democrats in the United States Congress has been met with both applause and criticism from all political sides. Overall, however, it appears to be a politically beneficial move for Republican moderates, allowing them to avoid any unnecessary political fallout.
The shutdown deal, which was approved by a vote of 266-150 in the House of Representatives on Friday, Feb. 15, will provide federal funding through March 23. The primary beneficiaries are the moderates in the Republican party who have largely avoided the fallout from the government shutdown.
For moderates within the Republican party, avoiding a lengthy shutdown was seen as the better of two options. While a shutdown would have allowed for the implementation of unpopular policies, the resulting political backlash could have damaged the re-election chances of many politicians.
The Republican majority in the House has already seen significant losses in recent years, with Democrats gaining more seats in the 2018 midterms. A prolonged shutdown could have been the final nail in the coffin for the Republican party, as it would hurt the party’s chances in the 2020 presidential election.
By avoiding a prolonged shutdown, Republican moderates can now focus their attention on other important issues such as the economy, health care, and immigration reform. These issues, which are more popular with voters, can be tackled in a bipartisan manner without the need to resort to a government shutdown.
In conclusion, the shutdown deal that was recently agreed upon in the United States Congress was beneficial for Republican moderates in the House of Representatives. They were able to avoid the political fallout that would have come from a lengthy shutdown, which could have hurt the party’s chances in the 2020 presidential election. As a result, they are now able to focus on more popular issues and work with Democrats to come up with solutions that are more acceptable to both sides.
