House speaker saga underscores Republican party’s dramatic evolution | House of Representatives | The Guardian
In the article “Jim Jordan scrambles for votes after 20 GOP defections imperil his speaker bid,” CNN reports on the political turmoil surrounding Rep. Jim Jordan’s bid for the position of Speaker of the House. Jordan had faced significant opposition, with 20 GOP members voting against him during a speaker vote.
The 20 Republicans who voted against Jordan come from various factions, including centrist Republicans and those who are unhappy with his conservative stance. This opposition is a significant challenge, as Jordan can only afford to lose four GOP votes in his favor.
After the initial vote, Jordan held meetings with potential supporters, and he scheduled another vote for the next day, aiming to garner more support. While some GOP members expressed openness to switching their votes, others remained resolute in their opposition to Jordan’s bid.
The article highlights that the impasse over selecting a speaker has paralyzed the House, preventing legislative actions such as additional military aid to Israel or government funding. This political deadlock has led to discussions about empowering a speaker pro tempore if Jordan fails to secure the position.
House Democrats voted for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who expressed willingness to reach an agreement with “traditional Republicans” to reopen the House. However, forming a coalition in the current political climate remains challenging.
Jordan’s supporters believe he can convince enough opponents to come around, but the article concludes with Jordan dismissing the notion of a compromise and emphasizing the need for a Republican majority speaker.
In summary, the article sheds light on the intense political battles within the GOP and the challenges Rep. Jim Jordan faces in his quest to become the Speaker of the House
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