A report from Politico describes growing dysfunction within the Republican-controlled U.S.House of Representatives under Speaker Mike Johnson.According to the article, repeated disagreements among different factions of the Republican caucus have made it increasingly difficult for House leadership to successfully schedule and pass legislation.As a result, planned votes have frequently been postponed or canceled to avoid the possibility of public defeats on the House floor.

The report highlights a contrast between the House and the Senate, where Senate Majority Leader John Thune has maintained a more active legislative schedule.

With only 38 scheduled legislative days remaining before the 2026 midterm elections, some Republican lawmakers are reportedly choosing to remain in their districts rather than return to Washington for votes that may ultimately be delayed or fail.Johnson's challenges have been intensified by the Republican Party's narrow House majority and the absence of Representative Tom Kean Jr., who has been away from Capitol Hill since March because of a health-related issue.The article notes that even the absence of a small number of members can significantly affect legislative plans.Recent events before the Memorial Day recess illustrated these difficulties.

Republican leaders suffered a setback when several GOP members joined Democrats to defeat a bill related to the Smithsonian National Women's History Museum.Shortly afterward, Johnson also faced resistance from members of his own party during a vote concerning U.S.hostilities with Iran, prompting leadership to postpone the measure.According to the report, senior Republican aides and lawmakers increasingly view canceling votes as preferable to risking highly visible defeats.The situation has raised concerns about the House's ability to advance legislation efficiently ahead of the upcoming elections.