Kevin McCarthy being ‘held to ransom’ amid Republican infighting

University of Sydney political scientist Professor Simon Jackman says US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is essentially being “held to ransom” by four or five Republicans.

The US government is facing potential shutdown concerns in the coming days due to a lack of agreement among lawmakers on crucial funding extensions.

The Republicans, who hold the majority in the House, appear divided on strategies to ensure the government remains funded.

“The Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, is being held to ransom essentially by about four or five MAGA Republicans,” Professor Jackman told Sky News Australia.

“One of the worse jobs in Washington is being a Republican speaker of the House when you’ve got this extreme wing of your party … can hold the whole process to ransom.”