Dupage Policy Journal

Mark Rice, a candidate for the 8th Congressional District, has expressed his apprehension over recent events in Congress, specifically the enactment of a third stopgap funding measure to prevent a partial government shutdown until March 1. He shed light on a split among Republicans, with approximately half siding with Democrats to back the measure and the other half opposing it due to worries about escalated spending.

“About half the Republicans joined the democrats to avert a partial Government shutdown until March 1 and passed its third stopgap funding measure in recent months,” Rice said on Facebook.

“The irresponsible, unconstitutional, & frankly corrupt spending addiction by the folks holding the purse strings is destroying our future and our children’s future. We need to reign in spending with serious reforms at every level of government.”

During an interview on The Mike Gallagher Show, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) discussed House leadership's current state. Gaetz acknowledged his role in challenging former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and underscored the necessity for change in Washington.

“I believe this town needs change, and it will only change with force and with leverage–Kevin McCarthy didn’t understand that, so he was forced and leveraged out,” Gaetz told Gallagher.

He praised current Speaker Mike Johnson for advancements made such as releasing January 6th tapes and issuing a subpoena to Hunter Biden among other proceedings which he claims McCarthy would never have permitted. 

“What we’ve learned just in the last few weeks, Mike, is that Kevin McCarthy made $50 billion in secret side deals that no one voted on with Biden and Schumer,” Gaetz added.

He credited Johnson with clawing back $20 billion of that amount, but he emphasized that more action is needed particularly in driving down federal spending. Gaetz stated that Johnson needs to fulfill his commitment to reducing spending and shared plans for a unified approach in meeting with the Speaker.

Speaker Mike Johnson is currently facing an intra-party challenge from House Republicans, pressuring him to renegotiate the spending deal with Senate Democrats. A faction of GOP hardliners is demanding alterations to the agreement's terms and has threatened Johnson’s position if he doesn’t comply. This internal discord echoes events that led to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s removal in October. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy have hinted at a possible effort to oust Johnson through a motion to vacate, causing unease within the party, while some, like Rep. Matt Gaetz, express doubt about the likelihood of Johnson’s removal, as reported by Axios.

The main issue centers around the spending deal that sets government expenditure for 2023 at current levels, with right-wing lawmakers advocating for more profound spending cuts. With government funding due to expire on Jan. 19, Johnson may need to pass a short-term spending bill, exacerbating the situation further. Despite these challenges, Johnson emphasizes ongoing discussions about funding options and priorities while acknowledging no commitments have been made according to a news release.

Rice, presently serving as CEO of Energy CX and boasting a significant 35-year residence in Illinois, has gained national recognition through his leadership at Energy CX. The company is considered a leader in delivering comprehensive energy solutions under his guidance. Leading a team of 70 professionals, Rice's experience in the energy sector establishes him as an influential executive with a deep understanding of economic dynamics. His website underscores that Rice's congressional bid aligns with his commitment to address the concerns of the 8th Congressional District and challenge what he views as a corrupt administration.