The Republicans saga continues: US House prepares for 4th speaker vote

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 Jan 2023 09:15
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The political drama to elect a speaker for the 118th Congress is to be continued, as the US House of Representatives prepares for a fourth round of voting.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (AP)

The US House of Representatives will hold a fourth round of voting to elect a speaker, despite rising Republican disparity to Congressman Kevin McCarthy's bid for the office.

This comes shortly after the US House of Representatives failed to elect a speaker for the 118th Congress during the first round of voting on Tuesday, after several right-wing rebels blocked Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s leadership bid, sending the process to multiple rounds, something the House had not seen in 100 years.

This plunged House Republicans into crisis on their first day after they succeeded in gaining control of the House.

Hakeem Jeffries earned 212 votes, McCarthy 203 votes, and right-winger Andy Biggs of Arizona 10 votes.

To be elected speaker, McCarthy needed 218 votes, and he could have collected the number based on Republican numbers; however, he failed spectacularly.

In November, Republicans won a slim 222-212 majority in the House during midterm elections.

During the first round of voting, enough Republicans cast votes for alternatives to block McCarthy’s bid.

On Tuesday, McCarthy said his leadership may be opposed by up to 20 colleagues, with the group demanding certain committee assignments and concessions in exchange for their support.

The Republicans' next step is unclear, as neither McCarthy's allies nor his hard-right enemies are backing down. The House rules call for lawmakers to keep holding votes for speaker until a candidate secures 218 votes or a simple majority of members voting.

No other House business can take place if a speaker is not selected: floor votes, committee hearings, and other works will be halted if Republicans cannot agree on a new leader.