Kevin McCarthy’s series of losses in several voting rounds extended on Thursday.
The third day of adjournment passed without a new speaker being chosen.
The three-day adjournment was the longest for a contest throughout more than 164 years.
Pressure
As the number of unsuccessful votes escalated, McCarthy came under more and more pressure to resolve the standstill.
It would be interesting to see if he can follow through, given how dismal things appear for his political future.
Late Wednesday, the California Republican made significant concessions to his opponents, but he was still short of the 218 votes needed to take the gavel.
If the conflict persists, defections and a lack of support as the GOP leader might endanger his tenure.
Kevin McCarthy stated that negotiations were still in progress after the meeting was adjourned on Thursday, but he did not provide a “timeline” for the 218 votes.
“So if this takes a little longer and it doesn’t meet your deadline, that’s okay,” said the Republican.
McCarthy provided an answer in response to criticisms that the issue had not been rectified in time for this week’s speaker election.
He claimed that they made an effort to resolve things ahead of January 3.
The GOP
Republicans have had conversations to determine their course of action.
A source claims that McCarthy’s supporters and detractors sought to press for a compromise on Thursday night to demonstrate their progress.
They appear to have come a long way, but there are still a few issues.
Four Republicans leaving on Friday due to various family circumstances is also a problem.
Several sources assert that McCarthy’s team and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas are close to finalizing a deal.
They will have the backing they need to request a late conference adjournment if they can come to an agreement.
However, McCarthy still wouldn’t have the 218 votes he needed, so that it wouldn’t be enough.
Some members have concerns that have yet to be addressed.
Frustrations
The concessions have upset and irritated lawmakers and moderates.
Many think that while the new GOP majority may face obstacles in governing, they will eventually be resolved.
On Thursday, Kevin McCarthy displayed a tenacious approach despite the challenging headwinds.
He claimed that he would still face opposition unless he reached a compromise with his detractors.
“It’s all going to be this way until an agreement comes,” said the Republican.
“It’s easier if we’re able to all get an agreement together.”
Read also: New House Speaker will be Chosen as Congress Convenes
More concessions
Wednesday evening, rumors of additional concessions started to circulate.
According to two sources, Kevin McCarthy was amenable to modifying the rules, so one member can propose that the present speaker be removed by vote.
He initially suggested a five-member barrier rather than the requirement stated in the conference rules that such a vote be made by half of the GOP.
After the House adjourned on Thursday, McCarthy told reporters that he was unconcerned about granting just one member the authority to call a vote without first consulting the speaker.
“I’m not afraid,” he said, “I won’t be a weaker speaker.”
Kevin McCarthy also gave his blessing for the addition of more Freedom Caucus members to the House Rules Committee.
The Committee selects the bills that should be brought to the floor and those that should be given holdouts’ priority.
It also makes suggestions for border security and member term limitations.
Even if the offers are accepted, according to Republican sources, he won’t have the 218 votes required to become speaker.
More supporters might be won over with compromises, while other opponents highlighted concerns that still need to be addressed.
McCarthy and concessions
The Republican has already given his opponents some concessions, but thus far, these have been insufficient.
Sources claim that the discussions on Wednesday between McCarthy’s supporters and holdouts were the most serious and successful.
When a McCarthy-affiliated super PAC decided not to participate in Republican safe-seat open primaries, a breakthrough was accomplished.
It eventually rose to the top of the conservatives’ demands, but McCarthy resisted up to that moment.
On Thursday morning, a Republican declared that despite their disappointment with the concessions, they were willing to discuss them.
Some fear that reducing the required votes to remove a speaker to one will make legislating on issues like funding and the debt ceiling very difficult.
“I don’t like the rules, but [I] am willing to hear discussions,” said the Republican. “I think they’re a mistake for the conference.”
“These handful of folks want a weak speaker with a four-vote majority.”
“The public will not like what they see of the GOP, I fear.”
Reference:
House adjourns for third day without picking a speaker in longest in 164 years
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