House GOP rushes to fill House Speakership amidst Israel-Hamas conflict.
House Republicans are gearing up for a high-stakes battle to elect a new speaker this week. However, this task is proving to be challenging due to deep divisions within the GOP caucus. The urgency is further heightened by the ongoing and violent conflict in Israel, a crucial U.S. ally in the Middle East.
The two declared candidates for the speakership, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), have both expressed their support for Israel. Mr. Scalise took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to affirm that the United States will always stand with Israel, emphasizing their strong alliance. Meanwhile, Mr. Jordan called for immediate assistance to replenish Israel’s stockpile of Iron Dome missiles to protect innocent civilians and ensure that Congress unites to provide the necessary support.
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However, it’s important to note that these statements hold little weight until one of them is elected as the speaker. Currently, Congress is unable to take action until a permanent replacement for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is in place.
Mr. McCarthy was removed from the role on Oct. 3, and since then, he has continued to hold news conferences, projecting an air of authority and sharing his preferred approach to addressing the Israel conflict. Immediately after the vote, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) was declared speaker pro tempore, invoking a post-9/11 rule for a smooth transition of power in emergencies.
A one-week recess was declared to allow both parties to meet and prepare for the speaker election. Republicans, frustrated with the faction that ousted Mr. McCarthy, held a meeting to determine their next steps. During the meeting, Mr. McCarthy announced that he would not seek reelection as the speaker.
The following day, Oct. 4, Mr. Scalise and Mr. Jordan officially declared their candidacy for the speakership. Another potential candidate, Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), announced that he would not enter the race. Shortly after, a third Republican presidential primary debate scheduled to be televised by Fox News was canceled due to concerns about showcasing the disunity among House Republicans.
The previous election of Mr. McCarthy as speaker was a lengthy and televised process, which Republicans aim to avoid repeating. On Oct. 6, 45 House Republicans sent a letter condemning the faction that opposed Mr. McCarthy and calling for fundamental changes to the majority’s structure.
Just hours later, on Oct. 7, Hamas launched a major attack from the Gaza Strip, resulting in rocket attacks that overwhelmed Israel’s defense system and hostage situations. The death toll in the conflict has already reached 1,500, including Americans.
On Oct. 9, Mr. McCarthy held a news conference, outlining five actions that President Joe Biden should take to address the Middle East crisis. He criticized the administration’s handling of the situation and emphasized the importance of not abandoning Americans on the ground. Mr. McCarthy’s statements sounded more like those of a candidate for speaker rather than a representative of a single congressional district.
When asked about entering the race, Mr. McCarthy stated that it is a decision for the conference to make. He emphasized his commitment to leadership in any position.
The Process From Here
House Republicans have scheduled a candidate forum on Oct. 10, followed by a party election the next day. A speaker election by the entire House could take place as early as Oct. 11 or 12, provided Republicans reach a consensus on their preferred candidate.
To elect a speaker, Republicans need at least 117 votes out of their 221 seats in the 435-member House of Representatives. Both Mr. Scalise and Mr. Jordan have been gathering endorsements and supporters. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Mr. Jordan.
Mr. Scalise, a survivor of a mass shooting in 2017, has been undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. He recently announced a significant drop in his cancer levels. Both candidates are known for their staunch conservative beliefs and hold influential positions within the Republican Party.
How has the power vacuum created by the removal of Mr. McCarthy as Speaker impacted Congress’s ability to take action regarding the Israel conflict?
D a press conference where he outlined a three-step plan in response to the attack on Israel. He emphasized the need for immediate action and a united front to support Israel and ensure the safety of innocent civilians. The residents of Mr. Jordan’s hometown in Western Ohio have shown their support for his bid for House Speaker, recognizing his strong stance on Israel and his commitment to protecting American interests in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Israel has further highlighted the urgency for House Republicans to elect a new Speaker who can effectively address the situation and provide the necessary support. However, this task is proving to be challenging due to deep divisions within the GOP caucus. The removal of Mr. McCarthy as Speaker on Oct. 3 has created a power vacuum, preventing Congress from taking action until a permanent replacement is in place.
In the midst of this leadership crisis, Mr. McCarthy has continued to hold news conferences, projecting an air of authority and sharing his preferred approach to addressing the Israel conflict. His role as speaker pro tempore, invoked using a post-9/11 rule for a smooth transition of power in emergencies, demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the continuity of governance during this critical period.
A one-week recess was declared to allow both parties to meet and prepare for the speaker election. Republicans, frustrated with the faction that ousted Mr. McCarthy, held a meeting to determine their next steps. During the meeting, Mr. McCarthy announced that he would not seek reelection as speaker, paving the way for new candidates to step forward.
On Oct. 4, Mr. Scalise and Mr. Jordan officially declared their candidacy for the speakership, while Rep. Kevin Hern decided not to enter the race. The cancellation of a third Republican presidential primary debate, scheduled to be televised by Fox News, further highlights the concerns about showcasing the disunity among House Republicans at this crucial time.
To avoid a lengthy and televised process like the previous election of Mr. McCarthy as speaker, 45 House Republicans sent a letter on Oct. 6, condemning the faction that opposed Mr. McCarthy and calling for fundamental changes to the majority’s structure. This indicates their desire for a more streamlined and united process to elect a new Speaker.
The situation escalated further on Oct. 7 when Hamas launched a major attack from the Gaza Strip. The rocket attacks overwhelmed Israel’s defense system and resulted in hostage situations. The death toll in the conflict has already reached 1,500, including Americans. This underscores the importance of a swift and effective response from the United States to support Israel and ensure the safety of its citizens.
As the battle to elect a new Speaker continues, House Republicans must overcome their differences and unite behind a candidate who can provide strong leadership in addressing the Israel conflict and other pressing issues. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in the region demand immediate action and a united front from the United States, a crucial ally of Israel in the Middle East. The outcome of the speaker election will have far-reaching implications for the relationship between the two countries and the stability of the region as a whole.
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