The House of Representatives has been without a Speaker for nine days, a situation worsened by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Republicans nominated House Majority Leader Steve Scalise for the position, but he faces significant resistance from rank-and-file members. Despite efforts to secure the necessary votes, Scalise’s path to the Speakership remains uncertain. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner and Rep. Lloyd Smucker are among those who are not supporting Scalise, further complicating the situation. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry are potential alternatives, but their viability is unclear. If no resolution is reached, the House risks a government shutdown in mid-November. The search for a Speaker who can gather support from a coalition of 217 members remains elusive, leaving the House in a state of stasis.
