Staff Reports
The ongoing saga on Capitol Hill regarding the Republican quest for a new House Speaker resembles a turbulent soap opera. On Tuesday, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio fell short by 17 votes in a House floor ballot, leaving exasperated lawmakers pondering the possibility of a bipartisan agreement or even the appointment of a temporary speaker to break the deadlock.
The heart of the drama unfolds within the divided Republican conference. Jordan, a prominent conservative with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, has proven to be a polarizing figure. While he managed to secure 200 out of 220 GOP votes, he couldn't match the 212 votes garnered by the Democratic nominee, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
House enters third week with no speaker after Jim Jordan fails in bid for gavelhttps://t.co/lIwZKoAWXa pic.twitter.com/U7UucuepJ9
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 18, 2023
A faction of Republican appropriators is adding to Jordan's troubles by refusing to budge unless he concedes to certain demands. They are adamant about restoring the original bipartisan spending caps that were subsequently reduced by the House. However, these spending caps face insurmountable odds in the Democratic-led Senate.
Simmering discontent also stems from the ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the sidelining of Majority Leader Steve Scalise in favor of Jordan. Egos are clashing on the Hill, and no one seems willing to back down. Jordan now faces an uphill battle for support, even though he privately conveyed to Scalise his willingness to step aside if he failed to secure victory in the initial ballot.
In a surprising twist, certain House Republicans are contemplating striking a deal with Democrats to elect a compromise speaker. It's a remarkable move given the current political climate. Democrats, in the name of progress, are willing to collaborate with their Republican counterparts. Minority Leader Jeffries acknowledges that discussions regarding a "bipartisan" solution are intensifying but remains tight-lipped about the specifics.
Amidst the chaos, Representative Patrick McHenry, acting as the temporary speaker, is emerging as a potential compromise candidate. However, it's essential to temper expectations. House rules dictate that only an elected speaker can conduct legislative business, severely limiting McHenry's authority.
As the House enters its third week of turmoil, the pressure is mounting on Jordan to rally support and find a resolution. Yet, with some lawmakers pledging to withdraw their support after the initial ballot, the road ahead appears fraught with challenges. Buckle up; this House political drama is far from reaching its conclusion.
