Congress!

I’m going to write in much more detail about this over August recess, but in my view people are overthinking the political dynamics of Congress right now. It boils down to five things: Narrow majorities in both chambers, but particularly the House. A POUTS unusually disinterested in protecting the House moderates. No Senate majority to abolish the filibuster. Partisan polarization between the parties. Small factions willing to exploit their numerical control of the balance of power. To wit: John Thune does not have the votes to abolish the filibuster. Therefore, everything that moves through the Senate needs either 60 voters, or needs qualify for reconciliation. Mike Johnson only needs a bare majority to pass things in the House. Like any good House leader, he’d like to protect his vulnerable moderates, by passing stuff they campaign on. Unfortunately for him, his right flank will not vote for any moderate-pleasing program, and since they control the balance of power, he cannot let…