Key points before House Republicans’ private meeting to select the next speaker.
House Republicans Set to Select Nominee for House Speaker
House Republicans are gearing up for a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to choose a nominee for House speaker, following the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) in a historic vote. The two main contenders for the position are House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). As the GOP members deliberate on their decision, here are three key things to know about this consequential meeting.
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Who is backing Scalise and Jordan?
While Jordan currently holds more public endorsements, including one from former President Donald Trump, neither candidate has secured a majority of the House Republican Conference. Most Republicans have refrained from endorsing a specific candidate, and no clear winner emerged after the conference’s candidate forum on Tuesday.
Scalise enjoys the support of prominent Republicans in the House, such as House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) and House Republican Conference Secretary Lisa McClain (R-MI), as well as several moderate representatives in the House GOP conference.
Jordan, on the other hand, has garnered support from the conservative wing of the GOP conference, including Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) and others.
Potential House Rules Changes
One of the most debated House rules that could be altered with the new speaker election is the motion to vacate. In January, the threshold to bring a motion to vacate was reduced to one representative, and last week, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) exercised this option, resulting in the removal of the speaker for the first time in history.
Many Republicans were outraged by how easily McCarthy was ousted through the motion to vacate. In response, 45 House Republicans signed a letter calling for “fundamental change” to the GOP conference structure.
Changing the threshold for a motion to vacate is expected to be a contentious issue among Republicans as they decide on their nominee for House speaker. Another proposed change is to require a nominee to secure 217 votes rather than a simple majority, aiming to avoid a lengthy speaker election on the House floor.
Impact on the House of Representatives
The outcome of this meeting will have a significant impact on the functioning of the House of Representatives, as the lower chamber cannot operate without a speaker.
If Republicans remain divided between the two candidates and fail to proceed to a House floor vote, the lower chamber will be unable to pass any legislation, even with a potential government shutdown looming in just over a month.
The House GOP may opt for a simple majority to select the nominee for speaker, but this could result in a lengthy voting process on the House floor, reminiscent of the 15-round marathon in January when McCarthy was elected as speaker.
To be elected as speaker, an individual must secure a majority on the House floor, meaning a Republican candidate can only afford to lose four votes and still win the speakership.
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How could the selection of the next House speaker affect the Biden administration’s ability to advance its legislative agenda and priorities
R-IN) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ). He is also backed by various conservative advocacy groups, such as the House Freedom Caucus and the Club for Growth. The divided support for Scalise and Jordan underscores the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, as both candidates represent different factions and ideologies within the conservative movement.
Implications for GOP Unity and Policy Agenda
The choice of the next House speaker will have significant implications for the Republican Party’s unity and policy agenda moving forward. Scalise, who currently holds the position of House Majority Leader, represents a more establishment-oriented and pragmatic approach. He has been praised for his ability to unite different factions within the Republican Party and build consensus on key issues.
Jordan, on the other hand, is a staunch conservative and founding member of the House Freedom Caucus. He has been an outspoken critic of establishment Republicans and has advocated for a more aggressive and confrontational approach to advancing the conservative agenda. If elected as House speaker, Jordan would likely push for a more conservative policy agenda and prioritize issues such as immigration, fiscal restraint, and social conservatism.
The choice between Scalise and Jordan reflects the broader battle within the Republican Party between the establishment wing and the conservative wing. A victory for Scalise could signal a continuation of the party’s more pragmatic and inclusive approach, while a win for Jordan would signify a shift towards a more confrontational and ideologically-driven agenda. The decision made by House Republicans in this nomination process will set the tone for the party’s strategy and priorities in the upcoming legislative session.
Impact on the Biden Administration and Democratic Majority
The selection of the next House speaker will also have significant implications for the Biden administration and the Democratic majority in the House. A strong and unified Republican Party under a new speaker could pose challenges to the Biden administration’s legislative agenda and policy priorities. With the midterm elections approaching, Republicans will be eager to present a united front and appeal to their base.
Scalise, with his ability to build broad coalitions and find common ground, could be seen as a more formidable opponent for the Democrats. He has demonstrated his political acumen and negotiation skills in previous legislative battles. Scalise’s election as House speaker could potentially lead to a more balanced and competitive political landscape, forcing the Biden administration to adopt a more moderate and conciliatory approach to achieve its policy goals.
On the other hand, Jordan’s election as speaker could embolden the conservative base and lead to increased resistance against the Biden administration’s agenda. His confrontational style and unwavering commitment to conservative principles could energize the Republican base and rally opposition against Democratic policies. This could create a more polarized and combative political environment, making it challenging for the Biden administration to advance its legislative priorities.
In conclusion, the selection of the next House speaker is a consequential decision for House Republicans. It will determine the direction of the party, shape its policy agenda, and impact its relationship with the Biden administration and Democratic majority. The internal divisions and competing ideologies within the Republican Party will be on full display as members deliberate and ultimately choose their nominee. The outcome of this nomination process will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape and the future of governance in the United States.
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