House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., expressed his disappointment and frustration with the GOP nominee for House speaker, Jim Jordan, following a failed vote to fill the role on Tuesday. Jeffries, accompanied by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, spoke to reporters outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C., criticizing Jordan as the “poster child of MAGA extremism” and not representative of respected Republicans among the House Democrats. The first speaker vote failed with 20 Republican votes against Jordan.
Jeffries hinted at ongoing “informal talks” with some Republicans without providing further details. He expressed hope that these conversations would accelerate now that it’s clear Jordan lacks the votes to be speaker. Jeffries emphasized that House Democrats are ready to find bipartisan common ground on any issue to make a positive impact on the lives of everyday Americans. He urged Republicans to break away from extremists and work together on a bipartisan path forward.
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., also criticized Republicans on Twitter for failing to elect a speaker of the House, stating, “Trump is in Court. Republicans have no Speaker.” Swalwell expressed his belief that chaos would ensue under the Republican leadership.
In the first-round vote, 20 Republicans joined all Democrats in rejecting Jordan’s candidacy for House speaker. Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., received seven Republican votes, while former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., received six votes. Additionally, three moderate New York Republicans voted for former GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York. Other candidates who received votes included House Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla.; Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn.; Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif.; and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.
Jordan expressed his determination to hold another vote later in the day, emphasizing the need to get a speaker as soon as possible to resume working for the American people.
However, there seems to be some friction behind closed doors. A source familiar with the discussions revealed that Jordan and Scalise met after the vote, during which Jordan sought Scalise’s support but did not receive a commitment. Scalise’s spokesperson denied the accuracy of the report and reiterated that Scalise will support whomever the conference nominates for Speaker.
This article highlights the tension and division within the House of Representatives as House Democrats criticize GOP speaker nominee Jim Jordan for his failed bid. It showcases the ongoing efforts of House Democrats to find bipartisan solutions and their dissatisfaction with Republican leadership. The article also mentions the potential discord between Jordan and Scalise, indicating further challenges for the Republican Party in selecting a speaker.
