McCarthy considers returning as speaker amidst ongoing Israel conflict.
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy Open to Returning as Speaker Amid Crisis in Israel
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has expressed openness to the possibility of reclaiming the position of speaker if Republican lawmakers desire his leadership during the ongoing crisis in Israel.
Since McCarthy’s removal from the top post in the House last week, the House has been at a standstill, unable to take any significant action other than adjourning and holding pro-forma sessions. Given the current situation in Israel with Hamas, Congress has limited options to assist the nation.
What is Hamas and Who is the Commander Behind the Terror Attack on Israel?
Last week, following his deposition, McCarthy announced that he would not run for speaker again, leaving room for new leadership to emerge. However, on Monday, his stance shifted, indicating a potential willingness to serve as speaker once more in this Congress.
This change in perspective coincides with whispers among GOP members about the possibility of reelecting McCarthy as speaker amidst the international conflict.
“That’s a decision by the conference. I’ll allow the conference to make whatever decision,” McCarthy stated during a press conference. “Whether I’m speaker or not, I’m a member of this body, and I can lead in any position.”
When pressed multiple times about whether he would accept the job, McCarthy consistently deferred to the conference’s decision.
Currently, there are two candidates running for speaker: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). Achieving the necessary 217 votes to become speaker is already a challenging task for the two current candidates. McCarthy’s potential entry into the race could further complicate matters ahead of the candidate forum on Tuesday and the voting on Wednesday. Allies of McCarthy might withhold support for the announced candidates, hoping that McCarthy decides to run.
According to two GOP aides, McCarthy’s entry into the race would not benefit the conference and would only prolong the speaker election.
“I, too, have dreams that will never come true,” one GOP aide remarked.
However, amidst the turmoil in Israel, many staunch allies of the former speaker believe that McCarthy is the right person to lead the Republican conference. For instance, after the press conference, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) expressed that there are “a lot of people who believe Kevin McCarthy is the right person to lead us.”
During his media availability, McCarthy emphasized his strong ties to Israel and called on President Joe Biden to provide greater support to the nation. He outlined a five-point plan for the administration, including rescuing American hostages, demanding action from Israel, confronting Iran, prioritizing national security, and addressing antisemitism in the United States.
“We must counter this new axis of power,” McCarthy asserted. “It’s an evil axis of Iran, Russia, and China.”
McCarthy highlighted his relationship with Israeli government officials and his bipartisan trip to Israel with fellow members of Congress.
He also celebrated his accomplishments as speaker, which he believes have strengthened America’s ability to combat global terrorism and support Israel. These achievements include keeping the government open by passing a clean continuing resolution, despite some using it as an excuse to vote him out of office.
“Could you imagine if we were sitting here and we listened further to Gaetz and Mac, and we were in a shutdown as we asked our 30,000 men and women in the military in the Middle East to defend us without being paid?” McCarthy questioned. “The question around the world of what was happening here today.”
While the government is not currently shut down, it remains in a holding pattern due to the absence of a speaker in the House, preventing the passage of any legislation.
The Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) lacks the authority to pass a resolution supporting Israel, provide additional aid to the country, or receive classified briefings on the situation in Israel.
“Unfortunately, the House can do nothing without a speaker,” McCarthy lamented. “I can be upset with eight, but I can be upset with every single Democrat as well. They both made the same decision, a political decision, instead of putting America first.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
How can Congress ensure swift action and support for Israel during times of crisis?
For swift action and support from Congress. He underscored the importance of standing with Israel in times of crisis and expressed his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
“Israel is our ally, and we must stand with them during this difficult time. We cannot afford to be silent or inactive when a close friend and strategic partner is under attack,” McCarthy stated.
McCarthy’s previous experience as speaker, from 2019 to 2021, makes him a familiar and experienced candidate for the position. He successfully navigated the Republican conference through challenging times, and many members believe he has the leadership skills and political savvy to effectively address the crisis in Israel.
Moreover, McCarthy’s proposition aligns with the sentiments of several Republican lawmakers who argue that a change in leadership during such a critical moment would be unwise and disruptive. They believe that McCarthy, with his proven track record, would be best positioned to rally the party and restore a sense of stability and unity.
However, not all Republicans are supportive of McCarthy potentially returning as speaker. Some argue that fresh leadership and new perspectives are needed to tackle the complex issues facing the nation. They believe that McCarthy’s previous tenure did not yield the desired results and that it is time for a fresh start.
Ultimately, the decision will lie with the GOP members of the House conference. They must weigh the pros and cons of each candidate, taking into account the current crisis in Israel and the need for strong leadership. The candidate forum and voting scheduled for this week will serve as crucial moments in determining who will assume the role of speaker.
Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that McCarthy’s willingness to consider reclaiming the position demonstrates his commitment to serving the country and addressing the challenges at hand. His decision could play a significant role in shaping the direction of the Republican conference and its response to the ongoing crisis in Israel.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...