Kevin McCarthy: No Talk of Shutdown, No Regrets on Paul Ryan as Speaker

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said there have been significant changes on Capitol Hill since Speaker Paul Ryan took the gavel, and he does not foresee a government shutdown looming over contested parts of the upcoming spending bill.

"I don't hear talk of that on the Hill, only questions from reporters," the California Republican told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program. "I don't see that happening. I see it as getting work done, and in a positive manner."

Just this week alone, McCarthy said that a highway bill, "something you haven't seen in quite sometime," has been approved, and the process worked well to make that happen.

"It went to conference for both parties, and both sides worked together bringing that bill back not for a small extension, but for a five-year plan for the infrastructure of America," said McCarthy.

In addition, there was bipartisan work on the Syrian refugee program, and work coming on the nation's Visa waiver program, and he does think change made a difference.

"Paul Ryan is doing a tremendous job," said McCarthy of the Wisconsin Republican, who agreed to seek the seat after McCarthy pulled himself out of contention for it following controversy over statements he made about the purpose of a House Select Committee examining the Benghazi attacks.

"You get a generational change going forward," McCarthy said. "I think the American people have spoken to those sitting in Congress and realize they've got to get their work done. Structure dictates behavior and we see a structure that's moving."

Earlier in the morning, McCarthy told CNN's "New Day" program that he feels good about backing out of the race for the speaker's position.

"Look at everything that's moving on the floor," he said. "Speaker Ryan is one of my best friends. We work very closely together. He's the only member I called when I made the decision that I was no longer going to run because he was giving my nominating speech.... I think we've seen a structural change inside this house for the better."

And, he continued, stepping back meant he was putting the country first, and he believes history will prove it, but "I just wish the whole country didn't have to watch me do it."

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