WASHINGTON >> Republican Rep. Jim Jordan fails again in crucial second ballot for House speaker, losing support and facing opposition from fellow GOP colleagues.
The next steps remain uncertain as frustrated lawmakers explore alternative options. A bipartisan group suggests giving more power to Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., as interim speaker pro-tempore to temporarily conduct routine business and reopen the immobilized House.
It is clear that Jordan’s path to becoming House speaker is nearly impossible. He now faces opposition from 22 Republicans, two more than the previous round of voting.
The House has been at a standstill for 15 days without a speaker. The vote for House speaker has turned into a bitter showdown, causing Republicans to become upset and exhausted by the infighting.
Prior to the morning vote, Jordan, the combative Judiciary Committee chairman, made an unusual plea for party unity, emphasizing the importance of having a functioning government.
However, as the roll call began, Jordan continued to lose support, gaining only three backers while facing more detractors.
The group of 20 Republicans who rejected Jordan’s nomination in the previous vote has grown, reflecting a politically diverse range of lawmakers who view Jordan as too extreme for the position of House speaker.
In order to win, Jordan must gain the support of most of his GOP opponents. Today’s tally shows that he received 199 votes from Republicans, while Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York received 212 votes. With 22 Republicans voting for someone else, no candidate has a clear majority.
One of Jordan’s new opponents, Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, explains his vote stating, “I just didn’t think he was going to get there. I think it’s time to move on.”
Bipartisan groups of lawmakers are considering alternative plans to operate the House by giving more power to McHenry or another temporary speaker. This approach, supported by former GOP speakers Newt Gingrich and John Boehner, is gaining favor.
Gingrich, although supportive of Jordan, doubts his ability to gain more than the 200 votes he received in the first vote. Boehner also agrees with Gingrich’s views.
Jeffries highlights the inability of Republicans to function effectively and expresses hope for accelerated talks between Democrats and Republicans to find alternative plans.
Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, in nominating Jordan, believes it is time to end the chaos and uncertainty caused by McCarthy’s sudden ouster, suggesting that Jordan is a strong leader for the House.
On the other hand, Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar argues that Jeffries continues to gain more votes and is the best choice to move the country forward.
Despite relying on Trump’s backing and support from outside groups, Jordan’s efforts were not sufficient.
The holdouts, a mix of seasoned legislators and newer lawmakers, feel they are being pressured and threatened by Jordan’s allies. Some are also frustrated by the prolonged process.
Trump, expressing confidence in Jordan, believes he will eventually gain the necessary votes to become speaker.
Jordan, a top Trump ally known for his combative style, faces questions about his abilities as a legislator and doubts about his past, particularly regarding allegations of his knowledge of inappropriate behavior during his time at Ohio State University.
Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
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