Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is facing potential backlash from the far-right Freedom Caucus but receives support from constituents in his Bakersfield district.
The big picture: McCarthy was able to orchestrate a deal to raise the federal spending limit and avoid a debt default, which some constituents see as a strength.
* This move has drawn praise from a variety of local figures in Bakersfield, including business owners and diners.
Local reactions: Some constituents, like restaurateur Jenny Maitia-Poncetta, are proud of McCarthy’s willingness to work with Democrats and find a compromise.
* Others, like diner Randy McDaniel, are happy about the inclusion of work requirements tied to food stamp eligibility in the bill.
Expert opinion: Ivy Cargile, a political science professor at California State University, Bakersfield, believes that the passing of the debt ceiling bill is a “solid win” for McCarthy.
* She also considers it interesting to watch how McCarthy will handle the federal funding fight at the end of the year and the potential “nuclear” option triggered by hardline conservatives.
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