Regardless of this crisis (amongst others), the US seems to have had a succession of impasses and inertia which has seemingly paralysed the country. However, there have always been solutions, regardless of the blocking of supply. I am sure this will not (& cannot) continue and your system will have ways around this.

Here in Australia, we can't have this situation because the Speaker is elected from the ruling Party. The 'election' is usually brokered by the leader and major players (including factions, which are a recognised part of our party system here), then put to the entire Caucus, with all factions falling in line. There has never been contention in the over-30 years I've been involved.

While McCarthy is indeed the definition of 'insanity', I'm sure the impasse will be overcome...the military-industrial complex will not allow otherwise.