Republican Kevin McCarthy flipped several colleagues to support him in dramatic voting Friday for House speaker
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.,votes for himself during the twelfth round of voting in the House chamber as the House meets for the fourth day to elect a speaker and convene the 118th Congress in Washington, Friday, Jan. 6, 2023.
which shook the country when a mob of then-President Donald Trump’s supporters tried to stop Congress from certifying the Republican’s 2020 election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. One significant former holdout, Republican Scott Perry, chairman of the conservative Freedom Caucus, tweeted after his switched vote for McCarthy: “We’re at a turning point.”
The chamber is unable swear in members and begin its 2023-24 session. McCarthy told lawmakers there were no plans to adjourn for the weekend, one Republican said, but it might be difficult to keep them in town. At the core of the emerging deal is the reinstatement of a House rule that would allow a single lawmaker to make a motion to “vacate the chair,” essentially calling a vote to oust the speaker. McCarthy had resisted allowing a return to the longstanding rule that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi had done away with, because it had been held over the head of past Republican Speaker John Boehner, chasing him to early retirement. But it appears he had no other choice.
It could be the makings of a deal to end a standoff that has left the House unable to fully function. Members have not been sworn in and almost no other business can happen. A memo sent out by the House’s chief administrative officer Thursday evening said that committees “shall only carry-out core Constitutional responsibilities.” Payroll cannot be processed if the House isn’t functioning by Jan. 13.
Democratic leader Jeffries of New York won the most votes on every ballot but also remained short of a majority. McCarthy ran second, gaining no ground.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy Fails to Win Enough Support in Fourth Vote for House SpeakerJUST IN: In the fourth vote in two days, Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., again failed to secure enough support to win the House Speakership.
Read more »
Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is about to lose a fifth vote for House speakerRepublican House leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy appeared no closer Wednesday to securing the 218 votes he needs to be elected speaker.
Read more »
Live updates: Republican Kevin McCarthy appears to lose fifth straight vote for House speakerRepublican Rep. Kevin McCarthy appeared to lose a fifth vote for speaker of the House, as GOP hardliners blocked him on the second day of Congress.
Read more »
Kevin McCarthy flips several Republican holdouts in 12th House speaker vote: LIVE COVERAGEAs Representatives fail to name a Speaker, the legislative branch has ground to a halt. Based on the salary each Representative receives, the amount of taxpayer money this standoff cost per day clears half a million dollars
Read more »
Kevin McCarthy's California hometown has mixed views of speaker shamblesHouse Republican leader Kevin McCarthy’s political troubles don’t stop at the Washington Beltway.
Read more »