By Axios | Created at 2024-09-26 00:39:08 | Updated at 2024-09-30 07:35:37
4 days ago
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has promised Speaker Mike Johnson that their relationship will be governed by two rules: No lies and no smack talk.
Why it matters: It's an old-school pledge that has helped the new leaders build trust in a Congress in which it's in short supply, especially among Johnson's own leadership team.
- It's also the kind of code that demands reciprocity, if the tables are turned in the new Congress and it's Jeffries attempting to lead with a narrow majority.
Jeffries has spoken glowingly about his working relationship with Johnson at fundraisers around Washington, multiple sources who attended the events told Axios.
- That rapport is better than the one that Jeffries had with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the sources said, helping along bipartisan deals when Congress has needed them most.
The big picture: The House voted on Wednesday to avert a government shutdown at the end of the month, with Jeffries delivering an overwhelming Democratic vote to get the bill through the chamber.
- The House leaders also combined on a bipartisan deal in March to avoid a partial government shutdown.
- Jeffries coming to the rescue on government funding has been helped along by the "straightforward" relationship between he and Johnson, one of the sources said.
- Jeffries would make the commitment to not lie or disparage any leader of his opposing conference, a source familiar with his thinking told Axios.
Between the lines: While Jeffries is known for his scorching takedowns of Republicans behind the podium and on the House floor, his allies say one of his unsung skills is knowing when to put down his bayonet and cut a deal.
- "He's done well because he's kind of kept his eye on the ball and he was not obstructionist, he was always been willing to work with them," said Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), a member of Jeffries' leadership team.
- "We got the things done we need to get done. The [government spending vote] is another good example," he added.
