Speaker Kevin McCarthy started the final day before a government shutdown facing tough odds of passing a stopgap funding measure. However, he defied expectations and managed to pass a spending bill with the help of Democrats, despite criticism from critics within his own party. The day was filled with drama, including a game of chicken between the House and Senate, a fire alarm, and threats from hard-right lawmakers to remove McCarthy from his position. Ultimately, McCarthy realized he had no other option but to collaborate with Democrats to prevent a shutdown and avoid political backlash. Despite the challenges, he successfully passed the spending bill, although he faced criticism for rushing the process and failing to provide adequate time for lawmakers to review the legislation. McCarthy’s decision to abandon certain policy proposals and seek Democratic support reflected his recognition that avoiding a shutdown was crucial for his party. Democrats, though frustrated with the suddenness of the bill, ultimately supported it to prevent Republicans from framing them as prioritizing foreign aid over funding the US government. After the bill’s passage, McCarthy quickly adjourned the House, limiting the opportunity for his opponents to remove him from his position. The fate of McCarthy as Speaker of the House remains uncertain as his detractors plan to take action against him.