Kevin McCarthy fails to win race for House Speaker for the 13th time

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Kevin McCarthy failed for the 13th time to win the race for the position of Speaker at the House of Representatives despite having secured votes from additional Republican lawmakers who had initially blocked his bid for the speakership - a never-seen-before congressional dysfunction that will surely go down in history books.

Earlier today, the Associated Press said that McCarthy concluded a deal with several far-right lawmakers, including the conservative Freedom Caucus and other lawmakers, on condition that he implements certain changes which would reduce the power of the speaker’s office and give rank-and-file congressmen and women more influence in drafting and passing legislation.

The potential agreement could slash US defense spending by $75 billion in an effort to persuade dissenting Republicans to support McCarthy, a Bloomberg report said, citing three people familiar with the discussions.

When the results of the 12th round of votes were announced, McCarthy reportedly earned the votes of 14 Republicans who had previously opposed his bid. 

However, seven Republicans still voted against him, which left him three votes short of the majority required to earn the job.

With the results of the 13th round announced, McCarthy had just received another slap in his face. 

McCarthy's Republican dissenters said they blocked his bid for being "too soft" and "too open" to go head-to-head against the Democrats. They say they want a leader that is ready to force government shutdowns to cut spending. 

As the US debt reaches $31.4 trillion this year, it is unlikely that the GOP and Democrats may reach an agreement that takes into account the demands and interests of both parties. 

Some of those who previously voted against him said they were convinced to back him up this time on grounds that McCarthy's victory would provide more leverage in the chamber. 

We’re at a turning point. I’ve negotiated in good faith, with one purpose: to restore the People’s House back to its rightful owners. The framework for an agreement is in place, so in a good-faith effort, I voted to restore the People’s House by voting for @gopleader McCarthy.

— RepScottPerry (@RepScottPerry) January 6, 2023

With this 13th failure to secure the leadership, it is unclear yet where the nation is headed as the level of congressional dysfunction exposes the brittleness of US democracy.

Read more: McCarthy proposes deal to end Speaker fiasco after string of defeats