UPDATE: The House speaker vote will not take place today, according to CNN. This suggests that Steve Scalise, the nominee for the job, does not have enough votes. However, there is some support for Scalise from his rival, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who plans to back him. The GOP’s slim majority in the House makes it crucial for Scalise to only lose four GOP votes. On the other hand, Democrats are expected to remain united behind their choice for speaker, Hakeem Jeffries.
PREVIOUSLY: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) has won the Republican nomination to serve as the next speaker of the House. This sets up a potential vote on the floor, possibly later today.
Scalise now needs to secure 217 votes from the full House in order to become speaker. However, this is far from certain given the Republicans’ narrow majority and the Democrats’ plans to nominate and unite behind their party leader, Hakeem Jeffries. In a closed-door meeting of the GOP caucus, Scalise defeated Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) with a vote of 113-99.
Republicans are eager to avoid a prolonged floor fight, similar to what happened in January when Kevin McCarthy was elected speaker after 15 rounds of voting. McCarthy had to make concessions to hard-right Republicans, including one that made it easier for a single member to call for a vote to remove him. Last week, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) successfully led an effort to oust McCarthy.
The timing of the full House vote for speaker remains unclear, although there are reports that Scalise wants it to happen today. However, the mixed messages from lawmakers complicate the situation. If all Democrats remain unified behind Jeffries, Scalise can only afford to lose a few votes in order to secure a majority.
Scalise, who has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for multiple myeloma, was seriously wounded by a mass shooter during a GOP lawmaker practice session in 2017. He has been serving in the House since 2008.
After the vote, Scalise told reporters, “We still have work to do.” He emphasized the importance of sending a message that the House is open and focused on the people’s business.
It’s worth noting that Jordan, who had the endorsement of Donald Trump, is known for being one of the former president’s strongest defenders. He has also been vocal in his attacks on Democrats and social media companies during House Judiciary Committee hearings. Moderate Republicans, especially those in districts won by Joe Biden in 2020, have expressed concerns about electing Jordan as speaker.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has stated on Twitter that he currently plans to withhold his vote for Scalise. Massie explained that he has not yet received a viable plan from Scalise for avoiding massive spending bills, known as omnibus bills, which Congress has been passing instead of individual legislation for funding different sectors of the government.
