The White House criticized Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) over her ultimatum to withhold her vote for government funding until Congress initiates an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
What Happened: Greene declared she would not vote for government funding, risking a potential government shutdown, unless the House initiates an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, The Hill reported.
The White House labeled Greene as the “hardcore fringe” of the Republican Party and warned of the consequences of a government shutdown. “The last thing the American people deserve is for extreme House members to trigger a government shutdown that hurts our economy, undermines our disaster preparedness, and forces our troops to work without guaranteed pay,” said White House spokesperson Andrew Bates.
Greene said her vote also relies on the cessation of funding for the conflict in Ukraine, the end of what she describes as the “weaponization” of government, and the removal of all COVID-related mandates.
Why It Matters: Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have proposed a short-term continuing resolution to secure government funding beyond September 30. Regardless, some hard-line Republicans are considering the possibility of a shutdown.
The White House has been urging Congress to approve temporary funding to avoid a potential government shutdown at the end of September. The Office of Management and Budget stated that a short-term resolution is necessary to maintain the government’s current funding levels in the coming month. However, the Republican-majority House has only managed to pass one of the 12 necessary bills for government funding.
Meanwhile, Greene has repeatedly asked Congress to inquire into the Bidens’ business dealings. Earlier in August, she expressed her displeasure with Republicans who were opposing the investigation, questioning their reluctance to initiate an impeachment inquiry.
