Jim Jordan faces setback in bid for US House Speaker

Jim Jordan faces setback in bid for US House Speaker

Jim Jordan’s bid for US House Speaker has hit a setback as he loses his second vote in the chamber. Jordan, a right-wing Ohioan, fell short of the necessary votes needed, facing resistance from fellow Republicans. The possibility of empowering acting Speaker Patrick McHenry for a temporary period has been suggested as a fallback option. With the absence of a Speaker, Congress is unable to pass any bills or approve emergency aid requests from the White House, including potential assistance to Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The article highlights the challenges Jordan faces in winning the support he needs for his bid and the impact of the leadership crisis on important legislative matters.

Jim Jordan’s Second Bid for House Speaker

Jim Jordan, the right-wing Ohioan, has lost his second bid to become the US House of Representatives Speaker as resistance to his candidacy grows among rank-and-file Republicans. In the second vote, 22 of his fellow Republicans voted against him, which is two more than the previous vote. Despite this setback, Jordan’s team has indicated that a third vote will take place on Thursday. This article will delve into the implications of Jordan’s second failed bid, the discussions around empowering acting Speaker Patrick McHenry, the lack of support from Democrats, the lobbying efforts behind the scenes, and the limitations caused by not having a House Speaker.

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Talks of Empowering Acting Speaker

As Jim Jordan’s bid for House Speaker faces opposition and uncertainty, talks have emerged about empowering acting Speaker Patrick McHenry for a period of 30 to 90 days. This idea, which has been suggested by members of both parties, aims to ensure the smooth functioning of the House until a permanent Speaker is chosen. However, it is unclear whether this plan has enough support among Republicans. The discussions surrounding this fall-back option highlight the need for a stable leadership in the House.

Implications of No House Speaker

The absence of a House Speaker has serious implications for the functioning of Congress. Without a Speaker, the lower chamber is unable to pass bills or approve emergency aid requests from the White House. This includes potential aid for Israel amid its conflict with Hamas. The inability to pass bills and approve aid can hinder the government’s ability to address pressing issues and fulfill its responsibilities to the American people. The urgency to elect a Speaker is further heightened by the escalating problems at home and abroad.

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Democrats Unanimously Support Hakeem Jeffries

While Republicans continue to grapple with internal divisions and find a candidate for House Speaker, Democrats have shown unity in their support for Hakeem Jeffries as their leader. In both votes, Democrats have voted unanimously for Jeffries, leaving Republicans to face the challenge of finding their own leader. This lack of assistance from Democrats further underscores the need for Republicans to resolve their internal leadership crisis and find a suitable candidate for Speaker.

Intense Lobbying Efforts Behind the Scenes

As Jim Jordan’s bid for Speaker faces resistance, his allies have mounted intense lobbying efforts behind the scenes to persuade wavering Republicans to support his candidacy. However, these efforts have made little headway overnight, further highlighting the divisions within the party. The inability to rally sufficient support underscores the challenges Jordan faces in securing the Speaker position.

Jordan Falls Short in Second Vote

Despite the lobbying and support from some colleagues, Jim Jordan fell short in the second vote for Speaker. On Tuesday, he earned 200 votes, and on Wednesday, he garnered 199 votes. This outcome demonstrates the difficulty Jordan faces in securing the necessary support to become Speaker. With a slim majority in the House, it is crucial for Republicans to find a candidate who can unite the party and secure the needed votes to become Speaker.

Limitations Due to Slim Majority

The slim majority held by Republicans in the House adds another layer of complexity to the Speaker selection process. With a narrow margin of control, Republicans can only afford to lose four Republican votes in their quest for a Speaker. This limitation puts pressure on Republicans to find a candidate who can garner broad support within the party and ensure that they can effectively carry out their legislative agenda.

Support and Praise for Jordan

Despite falling short in the second vote, Jim Jordan continues to have supporters within the Republican party. Tom Cole, an Oklahoma Republican, nominated Jordan and referred to him as an “honourable man” with “a spine of steel” who can bring stability to the House. Colleagues cheered for Jordan, showcasing the admiration and respect he has garnered from some members of Congress. Jordan himself vows to continue talking to members in an effort to secure their votes, highlighting his determination to become Speaker.

Resistance to Empowering McHenry

While talks of empowering acting Speaker Patrick McHenry have surfaced, key lawmakers, including Pennsylvania’s Scott Perry, the chairman of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, have voiced their opposition. They do not support any measure to empower McHenry and are seeking an alternative solution to the leadership crisis. The resistance to empowering McHenry underscores the divisions and challenges Republicans face in finding a consensus candidate for Speaker.

In conclusion, Jim Jordan’s second bid for House Speaker has faced significant resistance within the Republican party. Talks of empowering acting Speaker Patrick McHenry have emerged, but the level of support for this option remains unclear. The lack of a Speaker has implications for the passage of bills and emergency aid approval, highlighting the urgency to resolve the leadership crisis. Despite the setbacks, Jordan continues to have support and pledges to keep working towards securing the Speaker position. The limitations imposed by a slim majority add further complexity to the selection process. The resistance to empowering McHenry underscores the divisions and challenges faced by Republicans.

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