This was surprising to see.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is urging House Republicans to get back to work, criticizing Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to send lawmakers home during one of the most important stretches leading up to the November midterm elections.
During an appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, McCarthy argued that Republicans have an opportunity to show voters they can govern—but only if they remain in Washington and continue passing legislation.
“You have the majority in the House right now. Stop recessing,” McCarthy said during an interview with Kellyanne Conway.
The California Republican said voters want results, not political messaging alone.
“Show the American people what you stand for by passing the legislation you believe in,” McCarthy said. “You can’t simply criticize Democrats. Republicans have to demonstrate what they can accomplish with the majority.”
McCarthy Pushes Republicans to Deliver Results
When asked what Republicans should focus on before voters head to the polls this fall, McCarthy delivered a straightforward message.
“Pass legislation day after day between now and the election and show the country what you believe in,” he said.
His comments highlight growing concern among some Republicans that the party must build a stronger legislative record before Election Day.
House Standoff Continues
The criticism comes after Speaker Mike Johnson recessed the House for a second consecutive week in late June following a disagreement among Republicans over the SAVE America Act.
The House is scheduled to return to Washington on Monday, but the dispute has delayed several major pieces of legislation.
Among the bills awaiting action are the annual Defense spending package, government funding measures, and legislation involving surveillance authorities.
The delays have frustrated many Republicans who believe Congress should continue advancing President Donald Trump’s legislative priorities.
Trump Raises the Pressure
President Trump has made passage of the SAVE America Act one of his top priorities heading into the midterm elections.
On Friday, Trump announced he would refuse to sign a bipartisan housing bill in protest over Congress’ failure to advance the election security measure.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump warned that lawmakers who oppose the bill could face political consequences.
His comments have added pressure on congressional Republicans to resolve their internal disagreements and move the legislation forward.
What Is the SAVE America Act?
Supporters say the SAVE America Act is designed to strengthen election integrity by requiring additional proof of citizenship and identification during the voter registration process and when ballots are cast.
Republicans argue the proposal would help protect confidence in federal elections by ensuring only eligible citizens participate.
Democrats oppose the legislation, arguing the new requirements could make voting more difficult for some eligible Americans and potentially reduce voter participation.
The debate has become one of the most closely watched legislative battles in Congress this year.
Republicans Divided Over Strategy
The disagreement has exposed growing divisions within the Republican conference.
Some conservatives, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, have pledged to block votes on unrelated legislation until House leadership brings the SAVE America Act to the floor.
Others believe that strategy risks slowing the broader Republican agenda.
Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska criticized the approach, arguing that delaying multiple bills only weakens the party’s position.
“We need to pass both,” Bacon said, referring to the SAVE America Act and the Defense spending bill. “Now both are delayed.”
Bacon added that the strategy ultimately benefits Democrats while preventing Republicans from advancing their own priorities.
Why This Fight Matters
With only months remaining before Americans vote in the midterm elections, Republicans are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that they can govern effectively while maintaining party unity.
The dispute over the SAVE America Act has become more than a disagreement over one bill. It has evolved into a broader debate over leadership, legislative strategy, and how Republicans should use their House majority before voters head to the polls.
McCarthy’s public criticism underscores the growing urgency within the GOP as lawmakers work to advance President Trump’s agenda while avoiding internal divisions that could overshadow their message during the final months of the campaign.