Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) was just elected speaker of the House. It comes after four days and 15 ballots
Kevin McCarthy was elected speaker of the House early Saturday morning after four days and 15 ballots, resuscitating a chamber that had been paralyzed as it endured the longest struggle to elect a leader since the Civil War.he began as a staffer for former Rep. Bill Thomas more than three decades ago.
After Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Matt Gaetz of Florida voted “present,” McCarthy tallied 216 of 432 votes. Gaetz, who missed his name when it was first called, became the decisive vote to determine whether McCarthy would become speaker or continue his historic losing streak. The far right also won seats on the powerful Rules Committee for members of the House Freedom Caucus and their allies. The panel, which controls how debates are conducted and bills advance in the House, is traditionally filled with allies of the speaker.
The House has 435 seats, with one currently vacant. If every member voted, McCarthy needed to win 218 votes to secure a majority and the speakership — unless at least three members voted “present,” lowering the threshold. Friday’s break gave McCarthy and his allies more time to flip two of the remaining six Republican holdouts and hit that magic number.
On the second anniversary of the Capitol insurrection, the GOP-controlled House remained far from under control until the very end.Committee chairs will be able to launch investigations and hold hearings once rules are adopted, and legislation will be able to begin moving. Members will also regain access to national security intelligence and be able to begin helping constituents.
“I didn’t know this was what I was getting into,” Rep.-elect Sydney Kamlager-Dove told her predecessor, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kevin McCarthy elected House speaker on the 15th vote, most since before the Civil WarMcCarthy, a California Republican, will take hold of the gavel after reportedly appeasing members of the House Freedom Caucus.
Read more »
Live updates: In dramatic 15th ballot, Republican Kevin McCarthy clinches House speaker voteKevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), front, walks away from Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), top left, as an altercation with Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), top right, breaks out during a session of the House of Representatives Friday. Live coverage: 📸: guygruber, USA TODAY
Read more »
Kevin McCarthy clinches votes for House speaker, breaking through GOP opposition on 15th ballotBREAKING A late night 15th round of voting turned the odds in Republican Kevin McCarthy's favor to win the House speakership Friday night.
Read more »
Kevin McCarthy fails in 14th vote for speaker; 15th round underwayRepublican leader Kevin McCarthy failed again after a 14th round of voting for House speaker on Friday night.
Read more »
Kevin McCarthy fails in 14th vote for speaker; 15th round underwayA 15th round of voting is underway after Republican leader Kevin McCarthy fell one vote shy of the House speakership on Friday night.
Read more »
McCarthy fails as tensions boil over on House floor; 15th vote startedThe switched votes from conservative holdouts put McCarthy closer to seizing the gavel for the new Congress — but not yet able.
Read more »