US House of Representatives May Prolong Interim Speaker System... Third Vote Temporarily Postponed

The U.S. House of Representatives, currently without a Speaker, is likely to operate under a temporary Speaker system until January next year. This is due to the ongoing delay in electing a new Speaker caused by divisions within the Republican majority party amid pressing issues such as the budget. Jim Jordan, the Republican candidate for Speaker and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who failed to secure a majority in the first two votes, has decided to support a resolution to expand the powers of the temporary Speaker instead of proceeding with a third vote.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Local media outlets including The Washington Post (WP) and The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 19th (local time), citing multiple sources, that Jordan changed his strategy to support a resolution expanding the temporary Speaker’s powers after failing to secure enough support within his party to be elected Speaker.

The resolution would grant Patrick McHenry, the temporary Speaker, the same powers as a formally elected Speaker until January 3 next year, except for presidential succession rights. The aim is to allow urgent legislation, such as support for Israel and Ukraine, to be processed despite the Speaker vacancy. With geopolitical risks in the Middle East rapidly escalating, the deadline for the temporary budget passed on November 17, less than a month after it was approved on October 30 to prevent a federal government shutdown.

Jim Jordan, who became the Republican candidate for Speaker after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted, received 200 votes in the first House floor vote on the 17th and 199 votes in the second vote on the 18th. Unlike House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of the Democratic Party, who received 212 votes with full Democratic support, Jordan faced defections within his party?20 in the first vote and 22 in the second. The increase in defections has led to assessments that his chances of winning in the next vote have diminished. Since the Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House with 221 seats compared to the Democrats’ 212, Jordan must limit defections to no more than four votes to secure the Speakership. Jordan, considered a close ally of former President Donald Trump, is one of the founders of the Freedom Caucus, a hardline conservative group within the Republican Party, and advocates for conservative hardline policies including large-scale spending cuts.

The NYT reported, "Jordan is increasingly losing ground amid opposition within the Republican Party," adding that "he has announced support for the expansion of temporary Speaker powers pushed by moderate Republicans and Democrats. Instead, Jordan will continue efforts to secure support to be elected Speaker by January 3." This is interpreted as Jordan’s plan to push for a vote as soon as he secures the necessary votes to be elected Speaker. Accordingly, the third vote for Speaker has been postponed for the time being.

However, some Republicans oppose the expansion of the temporary Speaker’s powers. Most of these dissenters are hardline conservatives who support Jordan. Scott Perry, chairman of the Freedom Caucus, argued, "This is not the proper way to elect a Speaker." Congressman Jim Banks also said, "This is a plan to allow the Democrats to control the House," calling it "a tremendous betrayal of Republicans." Congressman Chip Roy claimed, "It directly violates the Constitution." There are reports that some within the party are considering nominating a different candidate for Speaker instead of Jordan.

On the other hand, Republican Congressman Nick LaLota, who voted against Jordan, countered that the recent votes are absolute proof that the House must explore ways to grant powers to the temporary Speaker. The Democratic Party has expressed openness to considering an expansion of the temporary Speaker’s powers to handle urgent matters. House Majority Leader Jeffries said, "All options are on the table."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.