Rep. Mark Pocan Blames GOP Infighting for Paralyzing Congress

The dysfunction that caused the government shutdown isn’t going anywhere, according to Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan. The problem, he says, isn’t partisan disagreements. It’s the turmoil inside the Republican caucus. Pocan joined Pat Kreitlow, host of Mornings with Pat Kreitlow, to discuss why he feels that infighting is paralyzing Congress and keeping lawmakers from taking action. 

Pocan labels Speaker Mike Johnson as “the weakest speaker in modern history.” He says Johnson has surrendered so much authority to the White House that the House no longer functions as a co-equal branch of government.

He also reveals how many Republicans are privately sharing concerns about the gridlock and predicts more may not run again. Pocan doesn’t hold back on outspoken GOP members, saying Marjorie Taylor Greene is “like a broken clock—right twice a day,” while Nancy Mace “doesn’t even have hands on the clock.”

Pocan criticizes President Donald Trump’s claim that concerns about rising costs are a “con job.” And points out his own grocery bills while in Washington – have jumped more than 12 percent. He warns utility and health-care costs will only continue rising without immediate action.

And on the Senate’s vote to reinstate enhanced ACA premium credits, Pocan is blunt. He believes the House won’t take it up due to Freedom Caucus opposition.

Yet, despite the ongoing turbulence, Pocan says reopening the government gets Congress to resume work on important economic and security challenges. But he also warns, without a shift in leadership or approach, the GOP gridlock is likely to continue into the future.