Sat, 07 Jan 2023 01:31 EST
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A tense moment on the House floor resulted in a Republican member physically lunging at another and who then had to be restrained from further escalation.
The scuffle happened between Reps-elect Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., after the 14th House speaker vote failed.
Gaetz was discussing with Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the possibility of backing him in the next vote and appeared to mouth the worth “committee.”
Gaetz is currently on the House Armed Services Committee, which is chaired by Rogers.
McCarthy appeared to agree, resulting in Rogers walking up to Gaetz’s row and making a move toward him.
Rogers was then pulled back by his shoulders and then his face in full view of C-SPAN’s cameras. Rogers could then be seen appearing to yell: “I won’t forget this!”
In the 15th and final vote, McCarthy was elected speaker with Gaetz voting “present.”
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Sat, 07 Jan 2023 01:06 EST
A chaotic night on the House floor culminated after midnight Saturday with Republicans rallying behind Kevin McCarthy to elect him speaker.
The final tally had 428 members voting: McCarthy received 216 and Hakeem Jeffries received 212.
Six members voted “present,” including notable holdouts Reps-elect Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., and Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., allowing McCarthy to take a majority of those voting for a candidate.
The Speaker’s contest started on Tuesday with 19 Republicans refusing to back McCarthy for the speakership and as the week wore on the total had grown to 21 members.
After a 14th round found McCarthy losing by just a single vote, the 15th proved the charm for the Californian.
Sat, 07 Jan 2023 00:07 EST
With a 15th and final vote late Friday evening, the House of Representatives appears to be on the path to electing Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to be its next House Speaker.
The vote is taking place just after 12 a.m. EST Saturday morning.
Several members voted “present,” including Reps-elect Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado., Eli Crane, R-Ariz., Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.
Their votes lowered the threshold required for McCarthy to win by making it easier for him to get a majority of those voting for a candidate.
The final votes are being tabulated.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 23:51 EST
Following a dramatic turn of events and nearly two hours after House members initially met for the 14th vote for House Speaker, members are set to hold a 15th vote.
Kevin McCarthy failed to be elected in the previous contest by a single vote.
Republicans now believe he has the support he needs to win and all eyes are on Rep-elect Matt Gaetz.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 23:47 EST
After chaos erupted in the House chamber following the 14th failed vote to determine the next House Speaker, Republicans motioned to adjourn for the weekend.
All Democrats voted against the motion, with most Republicans favoring it.
As the motion was set to expire, with a 217-217 tie, more than 30 Republicans rushed to the clerk to have their vote changed to reject adjournment.
This change of vote likely followed discussions between McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, and others as Republicans now believe they have enough votes to successfully elect McCarthy.
A possible agreement comes as Gaetz has said publicly he would not back McCarthy for Speaker.
The motion to adjourn ultimately failed with 155 Republicans voting to adjourn, while 67 Republicans and all 212 Democrats voting to remain in session and hold another Speaker vote.
A 15th vote for Speaker is expected after the motion to adjourn fails.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 23:56 EST
Kevin McCarthy late Friday failed to succeed in his 14th bid for House speaker after indicating confidence in a victory and two of his GOP opponents appeared to clear the way for a victory by voting "present."
When the dust settled, McCarthy had 216 votes, but needed 217. Two of his most vocal opponents, Rep.-elects Matt Gaetz of Florida and Lauren Boebert of California, voted "present" which was aimed at lowering the minimum majority needed to win.
But with only 432 votes cast, the McCarthy needed 217 to clinch it, and fell short by a single vote.
The result seemed to surprise McCarthy and his team, many of whom started an intense discussion with Gaetz in an apparent attempt to sway him to change his vote to one in support of McCarthy.
Republicans initially sought to adjourn, but then appeared to indicate another vote would get McCarthy the win.
Read more at Fox News Digital.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 23:27 EST
A silence looms over the House chamber late Friday evening after a 14th vote appears to have resulted in Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., falling short of becoming its next House Speaker.
The vote Friday, just before 11 p.m. EST, followed four days of discord, division, and deliberations before Republicans mostly united behind McCarthy.
Several holdouts remained in the vote, including Reps-elect Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., who voted for Jim Jordan, R-Ohio; Eli Crane, R-Ariz., who voted for Biggs, and Matt Rosendale, R-Maryland, who voted for Biggs.
Reps-elect Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado., and Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., both voted "present."
With Republicans having 222 members in the chamber, McCarthy could only afford four defectors. However, a “present” vote lowers the voting threshold needing to win.
Members were still missing two votes on the final tally and it appears McCarthy is a single vote shy of winning.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 21:30 EST
A Wisconsin Republican congressman-elect blasted Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., for "dragging" out the speaker fight to fundraise off of it.
Wisconsin Rep.-elect Derrick Van Orden, a Republican, torched his Florida colleague for holding up the House by siphoning away votes from GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy during the days-long speaker battle.
"Gaetz has dumped Trump and moved on to Jordan who does not want the job and Gaetz knows it," Van Orden tweeted on Friday. "He is dragging this out to make money. What is more swampy than that?"
"I am calling for him to donate the money he is fundraising off this to the charity [of] his choice," he continued.
Click here to read more on Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 23:25 EST
We expect the House to elect Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as House Speaker either late tonight or in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
We don’t know if McCarthy will win on a potential 14th ballot right after the House returns at 10 pm et. But Fox is told the GOP brass does expect McCarthy to prevail tonight.
We do not know the exact "magic number" for McCarthy to win. However, if all 434 members are present, the number is 218. Reps.-elect Wesley Hunt (R-TX) and Ken Buck (R-CO) were absent earlier. Fox is told both will be back tonight. Both are McCarthy supporters. It is possible that other members-elect could be absent – from other side of the aisle. That would lower the threshold for McCarthy and could potentially help him win the Speakership – depending on WHO is absent.
Moreover, Democrats could be absent. Or, if McCarthy fails to flip the six holdouts, they could vote "present." A "present" vote does not count against the overall tally.
Click here to read on Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:09 EST
While on his way to support Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy for speaker of the House, embattled Rep.-elect George Santos refused to answer lingering questions about his exaggerated campaign biography.
A reporter pressed Santos on his false representations following reports he lied about several aspects of his resume before being elected, including misrepresenting his education, work experience and claiming Jewish descent.
"Is there anything you have to say to New Yorkers who feel disappointed that you were not truthful in your biography?" Santos was asked. The congressman-elect did not respond.
"It's been unproductive for the American people. We need a speaker," Santos said when later asked about the ongoing speaker vote, which is expected to enter its 14th ballotFriday evening.
Click here to read more on Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 18:31 EST
Congressman-elect Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has been one of Congressman-elect Kevin McCarthy's fiercest opponents throughout voting for House speaker, pushing for Republican alternatives who include former President Trump, Congressman-elect Jim Jordan and Congressman-elect Byron Donalds.
The voting for House speaker has entered its fourth day and its 12th round as McCarthy attempts to wrangle the 218 votes necessary to win the speakership.
With deliberations in the chamber ongoing, Gaetz has had some interesting conversations on the House floor this week as he attempts to prevent a McCarthy speakership.
On Friday morning, Gaetz appeared to chat with the incoming assistant Democratic leader,Congressman-elect James Clyburn of South Carolina, before the House was set to commence its 12th round of voting.
Click here to read more on Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:56 EST
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House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters Friday that he's confident he'll have the votes to get elected House speaker when the chamber reconvenes at 10 p.m. for the 14th roll call vote.
"Yes," McCarthy told a reporter when asked if he would have the votes to become speaker Friday night.
When asked if McCarthy would be able to convince two GOP holdouts, Reps.-elect Eli Crane, R-Ariz., and Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., the California Republican replied, "I'll have the votes."
"Because I counted," McCarthy said when asked again why he's confident he'll cross the finish line Friday evening.
Click here to read more on Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:56 EST
Republicans remain in disarray as House leader Kevin McCarthy attempts to persuade a handful of his GOP colleagues to support his bid for speaker, with some political insiders weighing how the intraparty chaos could influence voters who are looking ahead to 2024.
Congress voted for the 13th time on Friday, with McCarthy failing to garner votes from a group of Republican holdouts who are refusing to support his goal of obtaining the speaker's gavel.Following the 13th vote, the House voted to adjourn until 10 p.m. ET Friday.
Congress is expected to take part in the 14th vote at that time.
All the while McCarthy continues negotiations and talks, the feud among Republicans who oppose his nomination and the vast majority who favor it has some insiders telling Fox News Digital that it could enhance Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis' appeal should he make a 2024 run for the White House.
Click here to read more on Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:43 EST
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Rep.-elect Byron Donalds told reporters Friday he trusts Kevin McCarthy to "do the job necessary" as House speaker after flipping his vote to support the California Republican.
"What I trust is that he's gonna do the job necessary to lead our conference and lead the House of Representatives," Donalds, R-Fla., said when Fox News Digital asked whether he can trust the House GOP leader.
"And ... in this institution, trust is one of those things, to quote Ronald Reagan, that you always have to verify," Donalds added.
Donalds said the agreement between McCarthy's camp and members of the House Freedom Caucus, which lawmakers are still working to finalize, allows lawmakers to "verify" that trust.
Click here to read more on Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:43 EST
The House of Representatives voted to adjourn until 10 p.m. ET Friday and a 14th vote for speaker is expected.
Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy failed to gain a majority of votes for House speaker in the 13th round of voting.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:44 EST
Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy offered to keep defense spending at 2022 levels in a deal to holdouts during the House speaker election as the House Minority Leader hasn't gained the speakership after 13 rounds of voting.
The deal was made to hardliners who are seeking a balanced budget within the next 10 years.
McCarthy, however, didn't "give away the farm" since all bills still have to go through regular order, according to a source.
Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich contributed to this report.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:22 EST
Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., gained support in the 13th round of voting for House speaker but failed to gain a majority of votes which is needed.
The 14 lawmakers who flipped to McCarthy last round were: Reps.-elect Dan Bishop, R-N.C.; Joshua Brecheen, R-Okla.; Mike Cloud, R-Texas; Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.; Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Ralph Norman, R-S.C.; Scott Perry, R-Pa.; Chip Roy, R-Texas; and Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. switched their vote to McCarthy from another candidate.
Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., switched her vote from present to McCarthy.
The vote for House speaker will head to a 14th round.
Fox News' Kelly Laco and Kelly Phares contributed to this report.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:11 EST
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Rep.-elect David Trone, D-Md., returned to the House Friday to cast a vote in the 13th ballot for speaker after receiving surgery earlier in the morning.
"7AM: Surgery 2PM: Back at the Capitol, still wearing my slippers and hospital socks," Trone tweeted. "Time to vote for Hakeem Jeffries!"
Democrats have voted in unison for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as Republicans debate whether to elect House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 14:58 EST
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Rep.-elect Andy Harris, R-Md., switched his vote to Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Friday in the 13th ballot for speaker — marking the 15th switched vote as a majority vote nears.
The 14 lawmakers who flipped to McCarthy last round were: Reps.-elect Dan Bishop, R-N.C.; Joshua Brecheen, R-Okla.; Mike Cloud, R-Texas; Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.; Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Ralph Norman, R-S.C.; Scott Perry, R-Pa.; Chip Roy, R-Texas; and Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. switched their vote to McCarthy from another candidate. Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., switched her vote from "present" to McCarthy.
Harris was bidding with McCarthy to chair the Labor-HHS subcommittee.
McCarthy can only afford four Republican votes against him — and five members claim they will refuse to vote for him: Florida Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz, Arizona Rep.-elect Andy Biggs, Virginia Rep.-elect Bob Good, Colorado Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert and Montana Rep.-elect Matt Rosendale.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 14:35 EST
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Rep.-elect Byron Donalds, R-Fla., flipped his vote Friday to support Kevin McCarthy's bid for House speaker, and told Fox News Digital that he trusts McCarthy will "do the job necessary to lead" the GOP conference and the chamber.
"What I trust is that he's gonna do the job necessary to lead our conference and lead the House of Representatives," Donalds said when he Fox News Digital asked whether or not he trusts McCarthy.
"And...in this institution, trust is one of those things, to quote Ronald Reagan, that you always have to verify," he added.
Donalds said the agreement in place between friends and foes of McCarthy, including many in the House Freedom Caucus, that lawmakers are still working to finalize, allows lawmakers to "verify" that trust.
"And what this agreement does, it allows the members of Congress to verify the trust that we're instilling in Kevin McCarthy. Or that I perceive we are going to instill…"
McCarthy gained 14 votes in the last round but still fell short of a majority. The House kicked off a 13th round of votes Friday afternoon.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 14:16 EST
No GOP lawmakers put up alternative candidates to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., or incoming House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., in the 13th round of voting.
Most of the main antagonists to McCarthy: Reps.-elect Good, Boebert, Biggs, Rosendale, Crane and Gaetz, remained sitting in a bench near the rear of the chamber. They did not put up an alternative to McCarthy, as they did previously with Jordan/Donalds/Hern/Trump.
That does not mean those members cannot vote for other candidates. They still can. But there is no officially nominated alternative to McCarthy or Jeffries.
Fox News' Tyler Olson contributed to this report.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 14:57 EST
The House of Representatives is moving into a 13th round vote after House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., flipped 14 GOP holdouts to his side last ballot.
The 14 lawmakers who flipped to McCarthy last round were: Reps.-elect Dan Bishop, R-N.C.; Joshua Brecheen, R-Okla.; Mike Cloud, R-Texas; Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.; Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Ralph Norman, R-S.C.; Scott Perry, R-Pa.; Chip Roy, R-Texas; and Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. switched their vote to McCarthy from another candidate.
Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., switched her vote from present to McCarthy.
McCarthy had said that he is still working out a deal with the House Freedom Caucus to get the necessary votes to clinch the speaker gavel.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:56 EST
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Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida accused Rep. Kevin McCarthy of 'vanity' in his now twelve consecutive failed attempts to secure the Speaker of the House position.
The remark prompted a fierce outburst from his Republican colleague, Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois.
"You only earn the position of speaker of the House if you can get the votes. Mr. McCarthy doesn't have the votes today, he will not have the votes tomorrow, and he will not have the votes next week, next month, next year," Gaetz said as he nominated Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan to serve as the next speaker of the House.
"And so, one must wonder, madam clerk, is this an exercise in vanity for someone who's done the math, taken the counts, and is putting this institution through something that is absolutely avoidable?" he asked.
After the comment, Bost stood up and yelled out to Gaetz, angrily pointing at the representative as he shouted. The Illinois Republican's comments were not intelligible via the camera feed.
Bost was quickly interrupted by the House Clerk, who brought the House back to order.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:45 EST
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As the number of Republicans standing in opposition to Rep. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House fluctuates up and down, approximately five say they will remain steadfast.
Florida Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz and Arizona Rep.-elect Andy Biggs are leading the movement, with Gaetz telling Fox that he is unlikely to vote for McCarthy under any circumstances.
"In the end, I must concur with my constituents: it is time to make a change at the top of the House of Representatives. I cannot vote for the gentleman from California, Mr. McCarthy," Biggs concurred in an opinion piece for American Greatness.
Virginia Rep.-elect Bob Good, Colorado Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert, and Montana Rep.-elect Matt Rosendale have also made their hardline stances against McCarthy known.
"I’m absolutely a no. You don’t ever have to ask me again if I’m a no," Good told reporters outside the Capitol on Thursday. "Never have to ask me again if I’m a 'no' on Kevin McCarthy. I will never vote for Kevin McCarthy."
"I am not going to support Kevin McCarthy," Boebert, who represents Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, told host Sean Hannity. "If I am the last person standing, which I don't believe I will be, I will not…"
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:31 EST
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The House of Representatives is packed with lawmakers as the legislative body continues its struggle to elect its next Speaker.
Now in its fourth day, the process has lengthened out to 12 failed votes without a clear end in sight. The tense crowd of lawmakers has experienced unexpected friendships, loud interruptions, and surprising statements from both sides of the aisle.
After the House vote to elect a speaker adjourned on Tuesday, the internet went into a frenzy over footage of progressive Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez chatting with Republicans Rep-elect. Matt Gaetz and Rep.-elect Paul Gosar between ballots.
"McCarthy was suggesting he could get Dems to walk away to lower his threshold," Ocasio-Cortez said of her mysterious conversation with Gaetz. "And I fact-checked and said absolutely not."
Entering the sixth vote on Wednesday, Rep.-elect Kat Cammack of Florida accused Democrats of sitting by with "popcorn and blankets and alcohol," drawing boos from the left.
Florida Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz on Thursday made headlines when he voted for former President Donald Trump during the seventh ballot for speaker of the House, replying "Donald John Trump" when his name was called during the roll call vote.
Rep.-elect Maxine Waters of California yelled at Rep.-elect Matt Rosendale of Montana on the House floor Thursday, one of 20 Never-Kevin Republicans who are vying for a candidate other than McCarthy to take the position.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 14:01 EST
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The 12th vote for House speaker Friday was on track to yield another non-decision, as more than four Republicans voted for someone besides House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
The latest vote comes as McCarthy attempts to negotiate a deal with his critics largely in the conservative House Freedom Caucus (HFC). McCarthy made progress with several HFC, but appears short of the majority vote needed.
McCarthy flipped 14 votes to his side for the first time in the first Friday vote. Reps.-elect Dan Bishop, R-NC; Joshua Brecheen, R-Okla.; Mike Cloud, R-Texas; Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.; Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Ralph Norman, R-SC; Scott Perry, R-Pa.; and Chip Roy, R-Texas; and Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. switched their vote to McCarthy from another candidate. Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., switched her vote from present to McCarthy.
Perry, chair of the HFC, tweeted he switched his vote in good-faith after reviewing McCarthy's renewed plan for speaker.
"We’re at a turning point. I’ve negotiated in good faith, with one purpose: to restore the People’s House back to its rightful owners," Perry tweeted. "The framework for an agreement is in place, so in a good-faith effort, I voted to restore the People’s House by voting for @gopleader McCarthy."
Rep.-elect Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, was nominated for the speaker post by Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who asked if continued attempts to elect McCarthy were an "exercise in vanity."
Jordan has continued to support McCarthy for speaker despite previous nominations from his colleagues to oppose him.
Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., added another nomination for Rep.-elect Kevin Hern, R-Okla.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 12:36 EST
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Rep.-elect Austin Scott of Georgia, an ally of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, claims that Rep. Matt Gaetz's leadership in the GOP civil war against McCarthy is "very personal."
Gaetz is so confident that Democrats will not rally around a moderate Republican alternative as House Speaker that he has vowed to resign if it happens.
"If Democrats join up to elect a moderate Republican, I will resign from the House of Representatives. That is how certain I am," the Florida Republican said on "Ingraham Angle."
He added, "I can ensure your viewers that will not happen."
Scott said he likes Gaetz and does not want him to quit his position in Congress, but voiced concern that his actions were damaging the legislative process.
"I want Jim Jordan to run the Judiciary Committee, I want James Comer to run the Oversight Committee, I wanted Jim and James to get to work yesterday, and I don’t want Matt Gaetz to resign," Scott said.
"I actually like having people in Congress that can’t be pushed around," he continued. "The problem is that while this is very personal for Matt, the consequences of his actions are damaging to America, people who actually want him here, and quite honestly him."
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 12:24 EST
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Speaker-hopeful Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., just spoke with reporters as he walked over to the House chamber.
Fox News' Aishah Hasnie asked him if he's cut a deal yet to which he replied "no."
He later said "watch and you'll see" that he has gained votes.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 12:20 EST
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The House of Representatives formally gaveled into session at noon Friday to resume voting on a speaker for a fourth day.
This is the twelfth ballot for speaker, as lawmakers have remained gridlocked and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has not yet captured the majority of votes to secure the top leadership position.
The House Freedom Caucus is continuing to negotiate with McCarthy, but as of Friday morning there has not been a final deal struck.
Speaker Philip Barbour of Virginia won on the twelfth ballot in 1821. But it is unlikely that McCarthy or anyone else will win on the twelfth ballot today.
Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:58 EST
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Rep.-elect Ken Buck, R-Co., will be absent for the 12th vote for House speaker on Friday. According to a GOP aide, Buck is in Colorado for a medical procedure and will be back in Washington, D.C., later Friday evening.
Buck has voted for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy in eight of the 11 votes so far, missing votes 9-11.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:51 EST
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Rep.-elect Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, confirmed to Fox News he will not be in Washington, D.C., for speaker votes Friday.
Hunt is flying home to visit his wife, who delivered their child this week.
Hunt is a supporter of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. His absence could leave McCarthy with fewer votes as he attempts to rally a majority of votes for speaker.
Rep.-elect Ken Buck, R-Colo., had to leave the nation’s capital Thursday afternoon for a medical appointment but is expected to return Friday, but after the first vote.
Rep.-elect Roger Williams, R-Texas, has stayed in Washington, D.C., as his wife suffers a medical emergency. Rep.-elect Kevin Hurn's mother died this week and he is expected to attend her funeral Saturday. All three are McCarthy allies.
Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:19 EST
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The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) inaugurated a record-setting number of members this week, despite denying Republican Rep.-elect Byron Donalds.
At the start of the 118th Congress, Democrats celebrated reaching 58 members in the CBC, and a record number of Black members elected to Congress.
Donalds has stated interest in joining the CBC since the 2020 campaign trail. Despite repeated attempts to gain membership, he has yet to be accepted into the caucus.
The CBC has not had a Republican members since 2019.
"While the CBC has predominately been made up of members of the Democratic Party, the founding members of the caucus envisioned a non-partisan organization. Consequently, the CBC has a long history of bipartisan collaboration and members who are both Democrat and Republican," the CBC website reads.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:15 EST
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy and House Freedom Caucus lawmakers blocking his bid for speaker of the House have not yet reached an agreement to end the four-day stalemate, but sources familiar tell Fox News that they are making “progress,” and that negotiations are in a “good spot.”
During a House GOP caucus conference call Friday morning, a source familiar told Fox News that McCarthy said he and Freedom Caucus members who have blocked him during the last dozen roll call vote for speaker of the House—like Rep. Chip Roy—are “working in good faith.”
The source also said McCarthy said they are in a “good spot,” but that a deal has not yet been reached.
A spokesperson for Roy denied reports that McCarthy and Freedom Caucus members had formally struck an agreement, but did tweet Friday that they are “making progress.”
"No deal yet," a source close to Roy told Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 12:53 EST
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House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and House Freedom Caucus lawmakers blocking his bid for speaker of the House have not yet reached an agreement to end the four-day stalemate, but sources familiar tell Fox News that they are making “progress” and that negotiations are in a “good spot.”
During a House GOP Caucus conference call Friday morning, a source familiar told Fox News that McCarthy said he and Freedom Caucus members who have blocked him during the last dozen roll call vote for speaker of the House—like Rep.-elect Chip Roy—are “working in good faith.”
The source also said McCarthy said they are in a “good spot,” but that a deal has not yet been reached.
A spokesperson for Roy denied reports that McCarthy and Freedom Caucus members had formally struck an agreement, but did tweet Friday that they are “making progress.”
"No deal yet," a source close to Roy told Fox News.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 10:58 EST
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House Freedom Caucus (HFC) member Troy Nehls claims Rep. Kevin McCarthy is aware that he will need the caucus's support to get future bills passed if he ascends to House Speaker.
"Kevin is aware that any legislation he would like to pass out of this House will require support and endorsement from the Freedom Caucus," Nehls said on the House floor. "This is where I believe we can hold the speaker accountable."
Nehls made the statement Thursday during another session of unsuccessful votes to determine a Speaker of the House.
"Kevin McCarthy understands, he understands he must protect that speaker’s gavel and abide the will of the American people," Nehls said. "The decisions we make in the 118th Congress are critical to the future of our country. The decisions we make, the legislation we pass as a Republican majority must have the support of the American people."
Accountability has been a major theme in the ongoing GOP civil war. HFC members have voiced concern that appointing McCarthy as House Speaker without key concessions would lead to a disregard of their concerns.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 09:57 EST
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A senior member of the House GOP leadership brass told Fox News Friday the thought is that the House will conduct at least one vote today at noon for speaker and then see where they stand.
It’s going to be rather damning for House Speaker candidate Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., if the House votes shortly after noon ET and he still fails to alter any votes.
“People are starting to get antsy,” said the Republican.
When asked if the drama may be solved today, the Republican said those chances were “low.”
“We made progress in the negotiations,” said the source. “But I don’t know that it’s changed any votes yet.
Fox News is also told this could bleed into the weekend. Members prefer to stay here to solve this first.
The other concern is that Republicans are starting to lose members-elect who need to be elsewhere. Fox News is told there are “a few” who will likely be absent Friday. But that number is “low.” It is believed to be around three to four.
Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 09:33 EST
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House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy says congressmen shouldn't go home until their "work" is "done" in electing a Speaker of the House.
McCarthy made the comment to Punchbowl News late Thursday night on his way out of the Capitol.
"We shouldn’t leave," McCarthy told Punchbowl News around 9:45 p.m. Thursday as he left the Capitol. "Why should we leave if we haven’t got our work done?"
The suggestion comes after McCarthy's eleventh failed bid for Speaker of the House.
A working weekend could prove dangerous for McCarthy as lawmakers with conflicting schedules may be forced to leave the Capitol and jeopardize his already slim majority.
However, McCarthy remains unworried about a timeline, focusing on his desired results.
"I'm not putting any timeline on it," McCarthy said. "The entire conference is going to have to learn how to work together. So it's better that we go through this process right now so we can achieve the things we want to achieve for the American public, what our commitment was. So if this takes a little longer and it doesn't meet your deadline, that's okay, because it's not it is not how you start. It's how you finish."
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 09:30 EST
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House Republican leadership invited all elected members to join a conference call Friday morning to discuss the latest deal on the table aimed at delivering Kevin McCarthy the 218 votes he needs to become the next House speaker.
The call is for members only, and will take place at 10:15 a.m. ET.
Several Republicans were at the Capitol late into the night Thursday meeting in GOP Whip-elect Tom Emmer's office to review the deal on paper.
Lawmakers said the framework gives members of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) who have been resisting McCarthy virtually everything they’ve been asking for.
That includes a stronger HFC representation on key House committees, guardrails aimed at curbing excessive federal spending, and allowing just a single member of the House to make a motion to replace the speaker, lawmakers familiar with the framework told Fox News.
Fox News' Tyler Olson, Kelly Phares and Pete Kasperowicz contributed to this report.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 10:57 EST
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Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., suggested the House may continue negotiations and votes on the speakership throughout the weekend if needed.
"We shouldn’t leave," McCarthy told Punchbowl News around 9:45 p.m. Thursday as he left the Capitol. "Why should we leave if we haven’t got our work done?"
Punchbowl reported McCarthy insisted it is unlikely the House adjourns for an extended period of time until a speaker is elected. This could mean the House continues to work and vote throughout the weekend if they are unable to reach a majority Friday, when they reconvene at noon.
The weekend poses a potential challenge for McCarthy, as he works to negotiate with a slim majority. Rep.-elect Ken Buck, R-Colo., had to leave the nation’s capital Thursday afternoon for a medical appointment — and other members may have conflicts as well. Rep.-elect Roger Williams, R-Texas, has stayed in Washington, D.C., as his wife suffers a medical emergency. Rep.-elect Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, may return home as his wife gave birth this week. Oklahoma Rep.-elect Kevin Hurn's mother died this week, and he wants to attend her funeral on Saturday.
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 08:36 EST
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The drama surrounding Republican leader Kevin McCarthy's stalled bid to become the next speaker of the House has garnered nationwide attention, and now, those who oppose McCarthy's nomination, including one prominent Democrat, are asking their supporters for financial support.
The House of Representatives headed into its eleventh vote to determine the House speaker on Thursday night as 21 Republicans continue to withhold their support for GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy of California.
Of the 21 Republicans, at least two – Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz and Arizona GOP Rep. Andy Biggs – have issued emails to supporters calling for donations amid their fight to prevent McCarthy from obtaining the speaker's gavel.
In a Thursday evening email from Gaetz, who has seemingly led the GOP movement against McCarthy in the House, the congressman wrote: "Maybe the right person for the job of Speaker of the House isn’t someone who has sold shares of himself for more than a decade to get it…"
Like Gaetz, Biggs, who has strongly opposed McCarthy's bid for speaker, also sent out a campaign email requesting financial assistance from his supporters, according to New York Times reporter Nick Confessore.
"We BLOCKED Kevin McCarthy from becoming Speaker of the House," Biggs reportedly wrote in the email. "...but now, we conservatives must lead the fight to get the leadership we deserve. Saving this country from Joe Biden and the Left is going to be tough. That's why we need a leader who has the record, skill, and ferocity to lead the House GOP."
In an email titled "embarrassing chaos" – which was sent Thursday evening by incoming Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries – the newly elected Democratic leader told his supporters that he lacks the total number of donations to "show that Democrats are united and ready to lead our country."
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 08:16 EST
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After 11 votes in three days that went nowhere, signs emerged Thursday night that Kevin McCarthy may finally have a viable path to becoming the next House speaker.
It won’t be easy, automatic or immediate, according to House lawmakers who themselves were processing the information in real time as details of the deal emerged. But a written framework for rules in the 118th Congress was released on Thursday that McCarthy's allies hope will allow many of the GOP lawmakers who have been voting against McCarthy all week to eventually support him.
Lawmakers said the framework gives members of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) who have been resisting McCarthy virtually everything they’ve been asking for. That includes a stronger HFC representation on key House committees, guardrails aimed at curbing excessive federal spending, and allowing just a single member of the House to make a motion to replace the speaker, lawmakers familiar with the framework told Fox News.
McCarthy had been resisting that last demand and was hoping to require at least five House members to make a motion to "vacate the chair."
GOP lawmakers who have so far denied McCarthy the 218 votes he needs to become speaker said it will take time to review the framework. Rep.-elect Ralph Norman of South Carolina told Fox News that "this is round one" and that "we still have a ways to go."
Read more on Fox News Digital: GOP deal emerges late Thursday that could give McCarthy a path to the speakership
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 07:46 EST
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After three days and 11 votes, the House of Representatives has still not elected a new speaker for the 118th Congress.
This delay has caused some Democrats to doubt whether Republicans who are in disagreement will come to terms anytime soon.
"I’m never getting sworn in am I?" Rep-elect Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, tweeted Thursday afternoon, as members were anticipating another round of votes.
Peltola won office in November when she defeated former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
The House of Representatives held three votes on Tuesday, three votes on Wednesday and five votes on Thursday, but each failed to have a candidate reach the 218-vote threshold to lead the chamber.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 20:58 EST
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A deal is on the table that is expected to see 10 to 12 Republican holdouts throw their support behind GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy for speaker, a source confirmed to Fox News Digital.
With the GOP’s slim majority in the House, McCarthy can only afford to lose four members of his caucus, so it’s unclear if this deal will give him the speakership.
A group of 20 Republicans threw their support behind Rep.-elects Byron Donalds and Kevin Hern during votes on Thursday.
The House has failed to elect a speaker despite 11 rounds of balloting over the past three days. Lawmakers will meet again at noon on Friday.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 20:15 EST
The House voted to adjourn until noon on Friday after five more rounds of balloting to elect a speaker failed on Thursday.
Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy has so far not been able to strike a deal with about 20 Republican holdouts who have voted for other members of the GOP during 11 rounds of balloting over three days.
The vote to adjourn was largely split along party lines, with 219 Republicans in favor and 212 Democrats against. One Republican also voted against and two Republicans did not vote.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 20:07 EST
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Congressman-elect Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who has voted against California Republican Kevin McCarthy in his bid for Speaker told reporters Thursday evening that negotiations on the deal struck by friends and foes of McCarthy is in "round one," and expects talks to go into the weekend.
"This is round one girls and guys," Norman said. When asked what he meant, he replied, "We still have a ways to go."
Referring to the deal, Norman "this is the first time we had it, today...a piece of paper to look at."
Asked whether he'd change his vote Thursday should the chamber continue their rounds of votes, Norman said, "I'm voting for Byron Donalds."
When asked if he expects to be at the Capitol through the weekend, he said, "Probably, yes."
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 19:36 EST
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Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy and many of the GOP members who have opposed his speakership have come to a tentative deal that meets “basically all” of the demands made by the House Freedom Caucus (HFC), and could get McCarthy to the 218 votes he needs in the near future, several GOP and Democratic lawmakers told Fox News.
Under the agreement that's still under review, McCarthy has agreed to give HFC members a stronger presence on key House committees, impose new controls on spending, and allowing a single member of the House to make a motion to remove the speaker, lawmakers said. That last item was one on which McCarthy initially offered a five-member minimum to “vacate the chair.”
The deal also includes a requirement that legislation must be introduced for 72 hours before it can be passed and a guaranteed vote on term limits, according to Rep.-elect Ralph Norman of South Carolina.
Lawmakers said they believe these changes could get McCarthy exactly 218 votes at some point, after a few remaining issues are settled with a handful of members. That implies that McCarthy’s side expects four GOP lawmakers to remain opposed to him, but he can lose that many and still win the speaker’s gavel if all others support him.
In light of these developments, lawmakers say McCarthy could be in a position to become the next speaker over the next few days, barring additional requests for changes along the way.
Because some Republican members are expected to be absent on Friday, the deal may not be able to be finalized until early next week.
Other members were slightly less optimistic about the deal. Rep.-elect Michael McCaul of Texas said Thursday he thinks about half of the 20 Republicans will be swayed by the deal, which means McCarthy might still have to chip away at the remaining opposition.
This update was based on reporting by Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich, Brianna McClelland and Tyler Olson.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:56 EST
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The 11th vote for House speaker late Thursday was on track to yield another non-decision, as more than five Republicans voted for someone other than Kevin McCarthy.
The late series of votes has essentially become a way for members to kill time as GOP negotiators were working off the floor to deliver a deal that unifies Republicans around Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy.
Rep.-elect Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, an ally of McCarthy’s, told reporters moments earlier that an agreement has been written and is currently being pored over by McCarthy’s side and members of the House Freedom Caucus.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:55 EST
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Rep.-elects Kevin McCarthy and Andy Ogles were spotted in an animated discussion on the House floor Thursday amid the GOP Leader's bid for the speakership.
Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, is one of 20 members who have repeatedly voted against McCarthy during 10 rounds of balloting over the last three days.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 19:40 EST
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Republican Rep.-elect Kevin Hern, a House Freedom Caucus member nominated to be House speaker by Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert, received seven votes from opponents of GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy in the 10th round of balloting on Thursday.
That's a slight increase from the two votes that Hern received when Boebert originally nominated him in the eight round of voting.
Despite the slight increase in support, the size of the anti-McCarthy group has remained the same in the contest for House speaker.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:46 EST
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Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz of Florida on Thursday nominated former President Donald Trump to be the next House speaker, as part of the 11th round of voting for a speaker.
Gaetz said under President Trump, wages rose and no new wars were started, and that Trump would be well-suited to lead the House as a candidate that unifies Republicans.
“And so I nominate President Trump, because we must make our country great again, and he can start by making the House of Representative great again,” Gaetz said.
Earlier in the day, Gaetz voted for Trump for House speaker even though he was not nominated, but Trump has so far received no other votes.
Alternate candidates to Kevin McCarthy in the 11th vote were Trump and Rep.-elect Kevin Hern of Oklahoma. For the first time in several votes, Rep.-elect Byron Donalds of Florida was not nominated.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:14 EST
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House Republicans failed to reach a consensus in the 10th floor vote on Thursday, as members awaited the outcome of ongoing negotiations that some said were leading to some progress in the stalemate.
The vote on the floor remained essentially unchanged. At the end of the 10th vote, McCarthy had 200 votes, short of the 218 he needs. He had been collecting 201 votes, but Rep.-elect Ken Buck of Colorado traveled home for a medical appointment and was expected to be out until mid-day Friday or later.
Rep.-elect Byron Donalds of Florida won 13 votes and Rep.-elect Kevin Hern of Oklahoma won 7 votes. That's an increase for Hern and a decrease for Donalds, but it leaves at 20 the number of Republicans voting for an alternate candidate over the last two days.
Meanwhile, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania told reporters that McCarthy allies and foes are talking about the specifics of committee assignments that could help McCarthy attract GOP holdouts.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:05 EST
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Republican congresswoman-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., told reporters Thursday afternoon just ahead of the House taking a 10th vote to confirm a House speaker that she is 'excited about the negotiations and conversations' taking place to earn Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. enough votes to get him to 218 -- the majority required to be speaker.
Greene also said of the 20 lawmakers opposing McCarthy, whom she termed 'Never Kevin,' that the battle is "personal."
"I mean...they have called themselves 'Never Kevin, that certainly is personal. Just like 'Never Trump' is," Greene stated.
"But I can tell you there's some good things happening," she continued.
"I think we're gonna see some movement because there's...some shifting going on. Things I'm excited about," she said.
"The whole, you know, some of these things are reasons why I'm supporting Kevin McCarthy," Greene continued.
"So pretty soon hopefully we'll have some good things to come out."
Greene said it's "not her place" to discuss specifics of the deal before it's solidified, but said she's excited about "the negotiations and conversations are taking place."
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 17:31 EST
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Rep.-elect Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., told reporters Thursday off the House floor that negotiators for McCarthy are working with his GOP opponents to put "meat on the bones" of a deal aimed at winning over those opponents.
"What's going on right now as we speak is... they're sort of putting meat on the bones on changes to the rules that'll bring more people in," Fitzpatrick said.
On the specifics of the deal, Fitzpatrick said, "It's with the rules package... it's the guardrails around the budget process, and then making sure that committee assignments are distributed throughout... the conference."
McCarthy's allies are hopeful that agreeing to some of these procedural demands can bring along most of the 20 GOP lawmakers who have been consistently voting against him. However, some Republicans have insisted they will never give McCarthy their support.
The House entered its 10th round of voting on Thursday evening.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 17:06 EST
Kevin McCarthy failed to reach 218 votes in the ninth vote series in the House on Thursday, and dropped to 200 votes total because a lawmaker had to attend a medical appointment.
Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado is en route to his appointment now, and is out for the rest of the day and most of Friday.
That left McCarthy with 200 votes, short of the majority he needs. As has been the case for the last two days, 20 Republicans voted for other candidates: this time Reps.-elect Byron Donalds (17) and Kevin Hern (3).
The result means a 10th vote will be needed, and lawmakers began right away by nominating members again.
Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:39 EST
GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has failed to secure the necessary votes to become the next Speaker of the House despite nine rounds of balloting over three days.
The 21 Republican holdouts who are not voting for McCarthy are Reps.-elect Dan Bishop of North Carolina, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Josh Bechreen of Oklahoma, Michael Cloud of Texas, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Eli Crane of Arizona, Matt Gaetz of Florida, Bob Good of Virginia, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Andy Harris of Maryland, Ana Paulina Luna of Florida, Mary Miller of Illinois, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, Matt Rosendale of Montana, Chip Roy of Texas, Keith Self of Texas, Byron Donalds of Florida, and Victoria Spartz of Indiana.
Click here to read more about the Republican holdouts from Fox News Digital.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:27 EST
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Texas Republican Rep.-elect Pete Sessions, who supports Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy in the race for House speaker, said on Thursday that treating the House like the Senate in operation is a “dangerous way to go.”
"A lot of money, a million dollars spent against one of the sitting members in a primary. So there are deep-seated viewpoints about why they fought the way they fought," Sessions told Fox News Digital.
"And secondly, whether it would simply leave our majority without the strength and power that would be necessary to move and be comfortable moving legislation rather than treating this like it would be the Senate where the leaders would have to check with every person every day where their word could change every day."
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:14 EST
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In the ninth attempt this week to elect a House speaker, at least five Republicans voted for lawmakers other than Kevin McCarthy, which means no majority can be reached.
The ninth vote ties the number of votes needed in 1923 to decide on a speaker – 2023 will now exceed that, as a 10th vote will be needed at least.
In the latest attempt, anti-McCarthy Republicans nominated both Rep.-elect Byron Donalds of Florida and Rep.-elect Kevin Hern of Oklahoma. Each had collected a handful of votes in early the vote – enough to deny McCarthy a 218 majority.
House Republicans were expected to try to adjourn Thursday after this ninth vote and take up the 10th attempt on Friday.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:53 EST
Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., a member of the House Freedom Caucus, nominated Rep.-elect Kevin Hern to speaker.
"The colleagues that I brought with me to offer those 218 votes on the first ballot aren't there anymore. It is not happening. And as it's been said, we need to get to a point where we start evaluating what life after Kevin McCarthy looks like," she said on the floor.
The nomination of Hern, R-Okla., in the ninth round of votes is in addition to other GOP-alternative nominee Rep.-elect Byron Donalds.
Hern has previously stated he backs House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for speaker. He received two votes in the eighth round despite not being officially nominated.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:21 EST
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The House is set to take up its ninth vote for speaker for the 118th Congress — a total that will tie the total attempts in 1923, the last time a speaker vote failed.
The House failed to reach a majority in two speaker votes Thursday, bringing the total failed votes to eight over the past three days. The 1923 speaker election took nine votes over three days to re-elect Speaker Frederick Gillett, R-Mass.
If the House fails in its ninth vote, it will reach the largest total since 1859, when it took 44 votes to elect William Pennington, R-NJ. The speaker election took 11 ballots in 1839, 10 ballots in 1833, and 12 ballots in 1821.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:16 EST
The eighth vote on the House floor to elect a new speaker didn’t do the trick.
Vote-leader Kevin McCarthy again ended up with 201 votes, and 20 Republicans again voted for another Republican member of the House.
The only change of late is that some of these 20 Republican holdouts are redirecting their votes. Two of them voted for Rep.-elect Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, while another, Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz of Florida, voted for former President Donald Trump. The remaining 17 votes went to Rep.-elect Byron Donalds of Florida.
A 21st lawmaker, Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz of Indiana, voted “present” again.
The result means a ninth vote, and possibly others, will be needed before a speaker can be found. That vote could happen later Thursday, or Friday if Republicans seek to adjourn for the day.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:13 EST
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., stressed "unity" during a press conference on Thursday, but pivoted when asked about comments from a Democrat in his caucus who called Republican Rep.-elect Byron Donalds a "prop" earlier in the week.
"My view has been let's continue to organize on our side as we've done strength, unity, resilience," Jeffries told Fox News Digital when asked about the comments on Donalds. "The Republicans have created a mess on their side and the Republicans need to sort it out."
Rep.-elect Cori Bush, D-Mo., claimed in a tweet on Wednesday that Rep.-elect Donalds is a "prop" who "supports a policy agenda intent on upholding and perpetuating white supremacy."
Republicans opposed to Kevin McCarthy becoming speaker have nominated Rep.-elect Donalds to the position.
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 14:17 EST
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House Democratic leadership released a joint statement Thursday that described House Republicans as “unable to organize.”
“House Democrats are united and ready to get to work,” they said. “Unfortunately, House Republicans remain unable to organize themselves in a manner that allows the Congress to move forward and do the business of the American people.”
The statement was released after the House failed for the seventh time to elect a speaker as Republicans feud over whether House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., deserves the post. Democrats voted unanimously for Rep.-elect Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, each vote.
“Republicans and Democrats have been entrusted to tackle the problems facing the people we are privileged to represent,” they said. “Three days later and Republicans are no closer to undertaking these solemn duties. House Democrats were able to organize and get to work during the longest government shutdown in American history and then again in the wake of the violent insurrection that took place on January 6th, 2021. House Democrats are united and are committed to staying in Washington for as long as it takes to get the Congress organized.”
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 14:05 EST
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The House of Representatives moved into an eighth round of votes to elect a speaker after House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., failed to gain a majority of votes in the first seven rounds.
When asked if he has the votes Thursday before the House reconvened, McCarthy stated, "Look, look you're going to go in here, we're gonna have votes, nothing is going to change. What we're doing is we're having really good progress in conve