Kevin McCarthy recesses House without spending deal: Washington Photos of the Week

September 23, 2023 07:55 AM

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) this week had to cancel votes and call a recess after a small group of his GOP colleagues refused to back must-pass spending legislation.

A GOP compromise deal to avoid a looming Oct. 1 government shutdown collapsed almost as quickly as it was unveiled. The revolt continued when a handful of defectors sank floor votes on defense appropriations legislation twice this week in a defeat for McCarthy.

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“This is a whole new concept of individuals who just want to burn the whole place down,” a frustrated McCarthy said Thursday when he sent the House into recess. “It doesn’t work.”

It was not immediately clear if McCarthy could unify his GOP caucus around a new plan to pass spending legislation or if he’d turn to Democrats on a bipartisan compromise to keep the government open, a move that could jeopardize his speakership.

Also this week, Attorney General Merrick Garland defended the Justice Department’s handling of the Hunter Biden investigation; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) relaxed the dress code to permit Sen. John Fetterman’s casual attire; and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to Washington for more assistance to defeat Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Here’s a look at scenes from Washington during the week of Sept. 18, 2023, captured by Washington Examiner photographer Graeme Jennings.

McCarthy fails to pass a spending plan to avoid a government shutdown on Oct. 1

U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy speaks to reporters after leaving the House Chambers at the U.S. Capitol, on September 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. McCarthy made efforts to negotiate with some hard-line Republicans, on legislation preventing a government shutdown. Lawmakers left Washington on Friday afternoon with no deal in sight.

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Outrage grows over Fetterman’s shorts and sneakers after Schumer relaxes dress code

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) holds up a face mask of Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), before arriving at a Democrat luncheon on Capitol Hill. This week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) relaxed the dress code rules for what members can wear. Fetterman, who is known for wearing relaxed clothing to work, including shorts and sneakers, offered to “save democracy by wearing a suit on the Senate floor next week” if a government shutdown was avoided.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky comes to Washington to seek more U.S. support to beat Russia

Zelensky at the White House — U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcome President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and first lady Olena Zelenska at the White House, on Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Washington, DC. Zelenskys visits to Washington included meetings with Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, a wreath laying at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and later meeting with President Biden.

Biden greets Zelensky — U.S. President Joe Biden arrives at the south lawn to welcome President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska to the White House on September 21, 2023 in Washington. Zelensky’s visits to Washington included meetings with Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, a wreath laying at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and later meeting with President Biden.

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