Kevin McCarthy's doubters have less reason to doubt McCarthy

After days of wrangling over lifting the debt limit, filled with lots of dramatic statements, high tension and, eventually, some bipartisanship, the Fiscal Responsibility Act passed without drama. The Fiscal Responsibility Act passed by a vote of 314-117. The Fiscal Responsibility Act has now been sent to the Senate for their consideration. In the end, there might be more wrangling in the Senate than there was in the House.

GOP pundits offered varying opinions on whether this victory was a spun-up victory or a game-changing victory. To the Freedom Caucus, this legitimate victory left them with a bitter taste in their mouths. While some conservatives might be upset with the Freedom Caucus, I'm not one of them. It's important to have a group of conservatives who push everyone else to be fiscally responsible.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Prior to the release of the Fiscal Responsibility Act's passage, it was thought that getting it across the House's finish line would be the most difficult. Now it appears that the drama will happen in the Senate, if it happens whatsoever. After the vote, the House GOP Leadership issued this statement:

Today, the House passed the largest deficit reduction package in American history. Taxpayers will save an estimated $2.1 trillion, and Congress will spend less money next year than this year for the first time in a decade — without adding new taxes on families. But this is only part of the story.

New roads, bridges, highways, and pipelines will be built sooner and faster because of this bill’s permitting reforms, the first in 40 years. Work-capable adults without dependents will get a job, learn new skills, and earn a paycheck because of this bill’s new welfare reforms. Families will save money and America will be less dependent on China because this bill cuts red tape.

Passing the Fiscal Responsibility Act is a crucial first step to putting America on the right economic track. As House Republicans build on these structural reforms, the American people can be confident that we will never give up on them.

The next fight will be over the 12 appropriations bills that are now required if this bill becomes law. The consistent message conveyed in this press conference was that Republicans listened to the American people:

The things that will be required going forward are determination, a willingness to grab as much as possible, then come back for another bite of the apple and a hedgehog mentality. This is a marathon, not a sprint. After this, we have to a) grow the economy, b) balance the budget and c) start running surpluses. These things are achievable with the right attitude and the right discipline.

Finally, it's time to stop doubting Kevin McCarthy. From what I've seen, he's exceptional at adapting to the situation. The underlying principles stay the same but the tactics might change to fit the situation.