U.S. House Delays Vote: A Second Attempt to Elect a…

U.S. House Pauses for the Night Before Another Attempt to Elect a Speaker

October 17, 2023 | New York Times Politics Desk

The U.S. House of Representatives finds itself in a state of limbo as it pauses to regroup before another attempt to elect a speaker. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, fell short of winning enough votes to be elected speaker on the first ballot. The House is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET for a second round of voting.

The Challenge Ahead for Jim Jordan

Jordan and his allies anticipated the possibility of multiple rounds of voting and are now striving to win the support of those Republicans who remain opposed to his leadership. In the first round of voting, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, Jordan received 200 votes in favor and 232 votes against him, with 20 Republicans voting against his candidacy.

It became apparent within the first 10 minutes of the vote that Jordan did not have enough support to prevail in the first round. To secure the position of speaker, Jordan will need to convince nearly every Republican member of the House to stand behind him.

The Reasons Behind the Opposition

Those who objected to Jordan’s candidacy cited concerns over his record, fears that he could alienate voters in critical swing districts, and lingering resentment over the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Members of the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees, in particular, expressed skepticism about Jordan’s willingness to engage in essential governance tasks such as funding the government and fulfilling military expenditure requests.

The voting process itself reflected the deep divisions within the Republican Party. Members who still supported McCarthy and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise offered only tepid applause or cheers when dissenting votes were cast against Jordan. The loudest applause came when Scalise and McCarthy themselves stood to endorse the current nominee for the speakership.

The Importance of Unity for the GOP

Politically, the Republican Party finds itself under immense pressure to resolve this internal chaos and rally behind a leader. The next speaker will immediately confront critical decisions, including determining military aid to Ukraine and Israel and addressing issues related to border security. Additionally, the party will need to address the pending deadline to fund the government by November 17.

Leading up to the vote, Jordan worked tirelessly to persuade Republicans to support him. He has sought to distance himself from his reputation as a disruptive outsider and campaign on the grounds that he can lead the fractured party effectively during a consequential election year.

Former President Trump has endorsed Jordan, and many view the vote on his speakership as a public loyalty test for the Republican Party.

Skepticism and Protests

Despite these efforts, skepticism remains among some House Republicans. Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, who voted against Jordan in the first round, expressed support for McCarthy and did not indicate whether anything could sway him toward Jordan in future rounds.

Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, however, believes that some members who initially voted against Jordan may reconsider their stance in subsequent rounds. Burchett suggests that the initial vote may have served as a form of protest, allowing members to make their concerns known and have their needs addressed within the party.

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska plans to vote for McCarthy, expressing his frustration with a small minority within the majority dictating actions within the conference. Meanwhile, Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado raised concerns about Jordan’s involvement in promoting conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election, stating that he cannot support Jordan on the floor.

The Path Forward

As the House prepares for the second round of voting, the Republican Party faces a critical decision that will not only determine its leadership but also shape its future trajectory. They must weigh the importance of unity against the fundamental principles and values that the party represents.

It is essential for House Republicans to select a leader who can effectively navigate the multitude of challenges facing the nation, while also addressing the concerns and priorities of each member. The next speaker must be able to command the respect and trust of both their fellow Republicans and the American people as a whole.

The upcoming vote will serve as a litmus test for the Republican Party, revealing whether its members can set aside their internal divisions and forge ahead with a unified vision for the future. The American people are eagerly watching this process unfold, as they believe in the importance of a strong and productive Congress that works towards the betterment of the nation.

As the House reconvenes on Wednesday, the eyes of the nation will be on the representatives as they cast their votes and determine the fate of the speakership. Only time will tell whether the party can overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger united.