Last Tuesday, conservative Republicans and all Democrats in the House of Representatives united to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy from office. In the history of the United States, a Speaker of the House has never been removed from office in the middle of a congressional session. McCarthy’s removal was a direct response to him passing the continuing resolution that prevented the looming government shutdown. Now, Congress is in uncharted territory as the House is without a formal speaker and now has to go through the process of electing a new speaker.
Conservative Republicans and Democrats claim that McCarthy failed to deliver on his promises, and conservatives are now searching for an adequate replacement. McCarthy has said he will not be running again, and both Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA.) have announced they will be running for speaker. Amid his several indictments, former president Donald Trump has endorsed Jim Jordan. However, many Americans are concerned that this situation sets a dangerous precedent for all future Speakers of the House to be removed.
Furthering the chaos now consuming Congress is yet another looming government shutdown. The stopgap bill expires on November 17th, leaving Congress a little over a month to elect a new speaker and finalize a budget. This all comes before what is sure to be a tumultuous presidential election cycle and in the middle of growing dissonance in the Republican party with Trump’s indictments and chaotic presidential debates.
Given the 15 votes it took for Kevin McCarthy to win the speakership, it is unclear how long it will take for a new speaker to be elected. The government may be forced to shut down if this issue isn’t resolved quickly. Until then, Patrick McHenry will serve as the Speaker pro tempore of the House.
