House GOP Sells McCarthy’s Used Chapstick Amid Escalating Debt Ceiling Discussions

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Kevin McCarthy Chapstick Auction: An Unusual Fundraising Event

As the United States faces urgent debt ceiling discussions, it appears that House Republicans are finding creative ways to raise funds, such as the Kevin McCarthy chapstick auction. This unique event managed to raise a whopping $100,000 for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). In response to the fundraiser, Marjorie Taylor Greene said, “I’m honored to be able to donate $100,000 to the [NRCC] to help Republicans increase our majority in 2024 and defeat the Democrats. My constituents will be honored to host a visit with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who we all think is doing a great job.”

Republicans Stand United Amid Debt Ceiling Discussions

Despite the urgency of the debt ceiling discussions and the ongoing negotiations between House Republicans and President Joe Biden, the GOP remains strongly united behind McCarthy. However, Democrats are expressing concerns about the Republicans’ fundraising tactics, especially considering the country’s current financial state. In response to the chapstick auction, progressive Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) tweeted, “They [are] doing this insane chapstick shit while the country teeters on default. Wild.”

Democrats Question GOP Priorities

Other prominent Democrats also criticized the GOP for its focus on fundraising amidst ongoing concerns regarding the national debt. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) tweeted, “Spending $100,000 on chapstick while working overtime to gut the programs that working families rely on. GOP priorities in a nutshell.”

Details of the Chapstick Auction

The fundraiser took place during a closed-door GOP conference meeting and lasted about 15 minutes. The auction was led by first-term Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), as it was his campaign’s branded chapstick that was up for bids. Other members who participated in the auction included Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), and Jason Smith (R-Mo.).

Skepticism Surrounding Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s Debt Default Warning

After the fundraising event, House Republicans returned their focus to the debt ceiling, expressing skepticism about the June 1 deadline for potential debt default. They called for Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to testify before the House Financial Services Committee, questioning the accuracy of her warnings. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) referred to Yellen as the “Obi-Wan Kenobi of wrong answers on the economy,” insinuating that her estimates were influenced by White House pressure.

This skepticism was shared by Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), who called for greater transparency regarding the Treasury’s warnings about the nation’s risk of being unable to pay its bills as soon as next week. A Treasury spokesperson declined to comment on the House GOP rhetoric.

Original Story at www.politico.com – 2023-05-23 15:18:44