Senate Gains Influence as House Speaker Fight Drags On
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With the House in chaos over speaker vote, the Senate has more influence over critical issues like Ukraine/Israel aid and avoiding a shutdown.
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell supports generous Ukraine/Israel aid package, giving Dems a GOP leader to negotiate with.
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The longer the House speaker fight drags on, the more power shifts to the Senate to drive spending deals.
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Some House Republicans want to empower Rep. Patrick McHenry as "acting speaker" to give House more say.
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McConnell faces internal GOP opposition on linking Ukraine and Israel aid, but Senate Republicans more open to deal than House.
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