Christiane Amanpour
Hakeem Jeffries - NY 8 (Xander Kane) stepping forward for Minority Speaker nomination.
Oct. 5—Esteemed guests gathered for the highly anticipated social event to begin the new session of Congress. However, for how much political superpower there was in the elegantly lit outdoor venue, the Congressional cocktail party was the eye opener we needed for this new session of congress. The drinks were flowing, however, the bi-partisan cooperation was not. The show of political gridlock from the Republican representatives was disheartening.
“I respect my party over the other,” Representative Steve Scalise, LA-1, (Ryan Sadaghiana), proclaimed during his House Speakership nomination. “I am here to push the Republican agenda forward.” When asked how he feels about reaching across the aisle, Representative Scalise replied, “I don’t like to do it...I am a true die-hard Republican.” Matt Gaetz, FL-1, even shows ill-will to his own party members who are all for bi-partisanship, interrupting an interview of Representative Dan Crenshaw, TX-2, (James Li) to say, “[Crenshaw]
only has bad things to say.” Representative Jim Jordan, OH-4, told the press the Republicans have a plan that they are sticking to, and collaboration across the aisle would only occur if the Democrats are willing to adhere to said plan. “It’s up to how the Democrats want to play things,” Representative Jordan said. In our current political climate, it was not surprising to hear these opinions voiced, but America shouldn’t expect much change from this group of members if the session continues on from its starting point. On the other hand, the Democratic members couldn’t say “reaching across the aisle” enough. Representative Jim Jordan would’ve loved it if that were a drinking game. Almost every nomination speech included a mention of that member’s ability to work across party lines. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, NY-8, (Xander Kane) and Representative Ro Khanna, CA-17, (Luke Antaky) drew upon past experience in the house and in their respective districts working with progressive and moderate members. Representative Pramila Jayapal, WA-7, (Arsh Goyal) claimed to know everyone’s agenda, “I have a history of working across the aisle and have presented bills with Republicans.” Representative Cori Bush, MO-1, (Sasha Angel) and Representative Katie Porter, CA-47, (Antoinette Damico) also raised the point of bi-partisan cooperation. Policy Advisor Pete Buttigeg (Anna Lynn) hopes to work with Republicans to create a successful session. President Biden (Cole Hendrickx) commented on hearing how Republicans are less willing to work across the aisle, responding, “I am hopeful [Republicans] are able to move past party lines and agree to a bill that would benefit all Americans.” Biden and Cabinet Member Pete Buttigeg discussed passing many bi-partisan issues throughout this legislation, focusing primarily on a second infrastructure bill.
It will be a true test of democracy to see how floor sessions proceed throughout this term, and if the minority party will be able to pass anything through this seemingly Republican blockade. As the clinking caucus parties dispersed and conversations continued into the night, it became evident that the divide between the two major parties was as stark as ever. The resolute commitment to party lines was perhaps best exemplified by Representative Steve Scalise's (Ryan Sadaghiana) unwavering dedication to the Republican agenda. While some Democratic members repeatedly stressed their ability to reach across the aisle, their Republican counterparts seemed far less inclined to engage in bi-partisan cooperation. President Biden's hope for a bi-partisan approach, especially on critical issues like infrastructure, offers a glimmer of optimism; that is, if the Republican party will adopt an open mindset. The coming weeks will indeed serve as a test for the nation's democracy and its ability to bridge the divide in the midst of a seemingly impenetrable Republican wall—pun intended.
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