Senate Gains Influence as House Speaker Fight Drags On

With the House in chaos over speaker vote, the Senate has more influence over critical issues like Ukraine/Israel aid and avoiding a shutdown.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell supports generous Ukraine/Israel aid package, giving Dems a GOP leader to negotiate with.

The longer the House speaker fight drags on, the more power shifts to the Senate to drive spending deals.

Some House Republicans want to empower Rep. Patrick McHenry as "acting speaker" to give House more say.

McConnell faces internal GOP opposition on linking Ukraine and Israel aid, but Senate Republicans more open to deal than House.