AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said he is out of ideas to avert a government shutdown set to take effect on Saturday night when funding for the federal government will run out.

On Friday, McCarthy put a continuing resolution on the floor that would fund the government through the end of October. It was defeated as 21 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against it.

Had the House and Senate passed the legislation (or some variation of it), it would have become law with President Joe Biden’s signature. That would give the House a month to pass 12 separate spending bills, which a handful of hardliners in the House have insisted the chamber do. They oppose the decades-long norm of passing large spending packages that fund the entire government in one fell swoop.

After the vote, a gaggle of reporters caught up with McCarthy as he walked the halls of the Capitol.

“What is the logical next step?” one asked.

“Keep working and make sure we solve this problem,” the speaker replied.

Another reporter asked what he has up his sleeve – or in this case, in his pocket.

“What’s in your back pocket, Speaker?” she inquired.

“Nothing right now,” he answered. “I’m broke.”

Another reporter asked about McCarthy potentially reaching out to Democrats to support a funding bill. He declined to answer.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) – one of the aforementioned hardliners – has indicated that if McCarthy works with Democrats to pass a spending bill, he will file a motion to vacate the chair. In such a scenario, McCarthy’s speakership would be up for a vote.

Watch above via The Recount.

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