In recent developments on Capitol Hill, the race for the next Speaker of the House has taken a tumultuous turn. Steve Scalise's withdrawal from the race due to a lack of support from his Republican colleagues has put the spotlight on Jim Jordan, who secured the nomination on the second internal ballot. However, Jordan also faces a significant challenge in securing the 217 votes needed for a successful election. At least 55 of his fellow Republican colleagues have declared their intent not to support him in the final vote.
To understand the gravity of the situation, it's crucial to recognize that to win the gavel, a candidate needs support from a majority of the House members present, meaning the eventual speaker will need 217 votes if every one of the current members votes and does so for a candidate by name. There are 433 members, with two vacancies, Republican 221 seats (Majority) and Democratic 212 seats (Minority) so a majority is 217. That means, if only 5 Republicans do not support Jim Jordan for house speaker then a floor vote is a waste of tax payer money and time.
The current state of affairs in the Republican party is emblematic of a deep division among its members. Some remain discontented over the ousting of Kevin McCarthy as the previous Speaker, while others have differing reasons for their discord. Until the party unites behind a candidate who can muster the necessary 217 votes on the House floor, the position of Speaker will remain vacant, creating a vacuum in leadership.
It's essential to acknowledge that the acting Speaker, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C the Speaker pro tempore, has limited authority in the absence of an elected Speaker. Consequently, certain crucial matters cannot be addressed or resolved during this interim period, impeding the government's ability to function efficiently for the benefit of the American people.
Presently, the most pressing issue facing the House of Representatives is the impending expiration of the 45-day budget extension, shortly before Thanksgiving. On September 30, 2023, Congress passed a continuing resolution (HR 5860) to maintain current spending levels for the next 45 days, expiring on November 14, 2023. Without an elected Speaker in place, addressing the budget crisis becomes impossible, as the Speaker pro tempore lacks the authority to handle such matters.
Moreover, international crises, such as conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, demand immediate attention. These events are exacerbated by misinformation from mainstream media outlets. Unlike the situation in 1961, today's world is marked by a complex geopolitical landscape. It's evident that swift and informed decision-making is paramount, requiring an effective Speaker to lead the House.
In conclusion, the longer the United States goes without electing a Speaker of the House, the more our government's ability to serve the American people is impacted. Unity within the Republican party is imperative to select a candidate who can secure the 217 votes needed for a successful election. The challenges and crises facing our nation demand prompt and effective leadership, and it is in the best interest of all Americans that the Speaker is elected sooner rather than later.
Benjamin Anderson
APS News Staff Writer