Contents
House Delays Speaker Election for Second Round
The U.S. House has decided to pause and regroup before proceeding with a second round of voting to elect its speaker. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, fell short of securing enough votes in the initial ballot on Tuesday, prompting a scheduled continuation of the process on Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET.
First Round of Speaker Election Votes
| Cowboys | Chargers | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Votes | 432 | XXX |
| Votes for Jordan | 200 | XXX |
| Votes Against | 232 | XXX |
Jordan and his supporters had anticipated the possibility of multiple voting rounds and are actively working to garner additional support from Republicans who are currently opposed to his candidacy.
Analysis of the Initial Voting Round
During the first round of voting, held on Tuesday afternoon, the House recorded a vote of 200 to 232, with 20 Republicans voting against Jordan. Notably, some members cast their votes for previous candidates, including former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
Challenges and Strategies for Jordan
It became evident within the first 10 minutes of the prolonged and occasionally lively vote that Jordan lacked sufficient support to win in the initial round. To secure the speaker’s gavel, Jordan needs to rally almost every Republican behind him, presenting a considerable challenge.
Divisions Among House Members
Divisions within the Republican ranks are apparent, with objections stemming from concerns about Jordan’s record, fears of potential alienation in critical swing districts, and lingering dissatisfaction over McCarthy’s removal. Members from the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees, particularly skeptical about Jordan’s approach to governance tasks, expressed reservations during and after the vote.
Breakdown of Votes Against Jordan by Committees
| Committee | Votes Against Jordan |
|---|---|
| Appropriations | XX |
| Armed Services | XX |
The Path Forward and Immediate Challenges
The next speaker will face pressing decisions, including military aid to Ukraine and Israel, funding for border security, and a looming government funding deadline on Nov. 17. Jordan, leading up to the vote, continued an extensive campaign to garner Republican support, emphasizing his ability to lead during a crucial election year.
Republicans are under increasing pressure to resolve the leadership turmoil, with Jordan’s endorsement by former President Trump adding a public loyalty test element to the vote.
Remaining Skepticism and Unconvinced Members
Despite Jordan’s endorsement and pressure to choose a leader swiftly, some members remain unconvinced. Concerns range from doubts about Jordan’s ability to lead the party effectively to issues related to the treatment of McCarthy and Scalise.
Representative Mike Lawler and others expressed reservations, with Lawler emphasizing McCarthy’s removal as a pivotal point. Representative Tim Burchett suggested that some members might make a protest vote initially but could reconsider in subsequent rounds.
Individual Perspectives on the Vote
Representatives Don Bacon and Ken Buck voiced their perspectives, with Bacon emphasizing the need for a speaker amid global challenges. Buck, citing concerns about conspiracy theories, highlighted potential problems for Republicans in Biden districts if leadership echoes election doubts.
End of Report.
FAQS about U.S. House pauses for the night before another attempt to elect a speaker.
1. Challenges in Electing a Speaker:
- Q: Why is the U.S. House facing difficulties in electing a speaker?
- A: The U.S. House encounters challenges in electing a speaker due to deep divisions within the Republican majority, with approximately 20 Republicans opposing the frontrunner, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
2. Speaker Candidates:
- Q: Who are the candidates for speaker?
- A: The primary contenders for speaker are Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). McCarthy, the frontrunner, faces resistance from conservative Republicans who view him as too moderate. Jordan, a more conservative option, carries controversy linked to his role in the January 6th Capitol attack.
3. Consequences of Speaker Vacancy:
- Q: What happens if the House cannot elect a speaker?
- A: Failure to elect a speaker renders the House non-functional, as the speaker plays a pivotal role in setting agendas, presiding over debates, and appointing committee members. The absence of a speaker impedes legislative progress and other essential functions.
4. Timeline for Speaker Election:
- Q: When will the House make another attempt to elect a speaker?
- A: The House is scheduled to reconvene for a speaker election on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The duration required for the election remains uncertain due to the profound divisions within the Republican majority.
5. Impact on the American People:
- Q: What are the implications of the delay for the American people?
- A: The delay in electing a speaker contributes to uncertainty and instability in the U.S. government. In the absence of a speaker, the House is incapable of passing legislation or addressing critical issues, potentially adversely affecting the economy and other national concerns.