The 118th Congress ended its first day in session without electing a Speaker of the House.
The House of Representatives adjourned around 4:30 p.m. CST on Tuesday after three rounds of voting and will resume at noon on Wednesday.
On the first day of the legislative session, the House votes for a new speaker, and usually, the session then moves on as planned. However, in a historic vote, the House failed to appoint a speaker — something that has not happened since 1923.
Before the new Congress began, many anticipated that Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) would struggle to obtain the speakership, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Going into the first round of voting, Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) nominated McCarthy, Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) nominated Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) nominated Andy Biggs (R-AZ).
In the first round, House Democrats were unified behind Jeffries, who received 212 votes. Meanwhile, Republicans were expectedly divided. McCarthy earned 203 votes, while Biggs received 10.
Additionally, 9 Republicans voted for other Republicans who were not formally nominated, including Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Jim Banks (R-IN), Byron Donalds (R-FL), and former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), who concluded his term on Tuesday when the 117th Congress officially ended.
In order to win the speakership, one must receive an outright majority of the votes cast. All 434 members of the House were present for Tuesday’s vote, meaning that 218 votes were needed to secure the speakership.
The second round of voting ended with the same vote count for Jeffries and McCarthy. However, the dissenting Republicans united behind Jordan, this time formally nominated by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), giving him all 19 remaining votes.
In the third round, Jeffries again earned 212 votes, while McCarthy lost a vote, receiving only 202. Rep. Donalds switched his vote from McCarthy to Jordan.
But how were the citizens of Dallas-Fort Worth represented in these votes?
As expected, Democratic Reps. Colin Allred (TX-32), Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) each voted for Hakeem Jeffries.
“I proudly cast my first and very unified vote for Hakeem Jeffries,” said Rep.-elect Crockett.
Kevin McCarthy received votes from the following Republican representatives: Pat Fallon (TX-04), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Kay Granger (TX-12), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Roger Williams (TX-25), and Michael Burgess (TX-26).
“The fourth district of Texas votes for Kevin McCarthy,” said Fallon.
One of the aforementioned dissenting Republicans was Rep.-elect Keith Self (TX-03), who voted for Jim Jordan in all three rounds.
In fact, all 11 of these representatives maintained the same vote throughout all three rounds.
Trump for Speaker. That would make the talking heads on the news freak out and would provide limitless entertainment.
This only tell me how Republicans once again undecisive. I wouldn’t be surprised if they will lose again. I am so sad for Americans.
They need to come together so the work of the house gets done.
What the heck is wrong with these Republicans?!?! One thing about all those dumocraps, they do stick together no matter how illegal something is they all vote for it!! 😡
That’s because Pelosi tells them that if they don’t comply, they will work to make sure they lose in their next election. Yes, she has done that.
I will tell you what’s wrong. They are all CONSPIRATORS and POWER HUNGRY! They can’t trust EACH OTHER, so how can they expect the American people to trust them. This is what happens when “Conspiratives” are elected. Nothing gets done. What is the definition of INSANITY? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. And I would remind you how the Re”bum”licans stuck together to save the twice impeached Pied Piper of Mar-A-Lago no matter how many crimes he committed!
They need to just put McCarthy in. Even Jim Jordan is advocating for McCarthy. They can’t accomplish anything until this is settled and Pelosi remains in the seat. They need to oust that evil witch asap.