At 3 p.m., Patrick McHenry appears behind the podium. The Republican president pro tem, distinctively dressed in an immaculate tie, takes up the gavel. This is the right time. The House of Representatives must finally elect a new speaker on Wednesday afternoon. But then, forcefully, McHenry adjourned the meeting again.
Republicans were unable to reach an agreement. None of their candidates received enough support within their party to become president. The House has been rudderless since Kevin McCarthy’s impeachment last week, and is once again stuck in a deadlock.
Finished by the author
Thomas Roepe is the US correspondent for De Volkskrant. Lives in New York. He is the author of the book Laura H.
Everything was done on Wednesday to prevent this disaster. The majority of party members, in a special closed session, supported candidate Steve Scalise (58). For example, the congressman from Louisiana defeated his far-right challenger, Jim Jordan (59) of Ohio, by 113 votes to 99. Scalise was officially nominated for the presidency.
For a moment there seemed to be hope of reaching consensus, but minutes later trouble broke out. To be elected, Scalise must win an absolute majority during the general session, with Democrats present. This requires the support of almost every Republican. He seemed to lack that, even after his nomination.
There is no new harmony
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right and controversial congresswoman, said: “I do not support Steve Scalise, I will vote for Jim Jordan.” CNN. “I’m not going to change my vote,” warned Max Miller of Ohio. “Jim Jordan All the way.’ Others pledged to cast their vote for Kevin McCarthy, in a bid to help the former president return to office. Surprisingly, he announced his willingness to be re-elected, even though the chance of doing so is non-existent.
Hope that Republicans can find new harmony after last week’s dramatic and historic McCarthy impeachment appears to have faded. Once again, the party is torn apart by internal turmoil.
Wider base resistance
Opposition to Scalise appears more widespread than that which emerged last week against McCarthy, who was ousted by a handful of far-right dissidents. A number of them, including initiator Matt Gaetz of Florida, now openly support Scalise. “I’m happy for him,” Gaetz responded. CNN. “I can’t wait to vote for him.”
Other members of the far-right freedom movement are clinging to Jim Jordan, who has the explicit support of former President Donald Trump. Many moderate members of Congress have refused to support the conservative Scalise, without indicating who they would vote for.
For Scalise, the presidency seems out of reach at the moment. He decided not to vote on Wednesday. McHenry adjourned the session until Thursday afternoon local time. Scalise has until then to gather the necessary support. The question is whether it will succeed.
