Struggle for the post Speaker US House of Representatives
2022.12.06 14:52
Struggle for the post Speaker US House of Representatives
Budrigannews.com – When the Republican-led House of Representatives meets in January, a hardline Republican legislator in the United States made the announcement on Tuesday that he would challenge party chief Kevin McCarthy for the position of House speaker. This possibility has the potential to cause party divisions.
It appears unlikely that Arizona’s 64-year-old representative Andy Biggs will be elected speaker. Be that as it may, the two his partners and those of McCarthy, 57, of California, have promised to hold various votes until another speaker is picked. That could put the newly elected Republican-led House in a bind from the start.
Biggs, who last month tried unsuccessfully to become the House Republican speaker, stated that the reason he decided to oppose McCarthy was to “break the establishment.”
McCarthy has been criticized by Biggs and other conservatives from the House Freedom Caucus for not being more aggressive against Democrats on issues like government funding, defense, and border security.
In an opinion piece for the Daily Caller, a right-leaning news and opinion website, Biggs wrote, “We cannot let this all too rare opportunity to effectuate structural change pass us by because it is uncomfortable to challenge the Republican candidate who is a creature of the establishment status quo.”
McCarthy, who was nominated for speakership over Biggs last month by 188 of his fellow Republicans, did not immediately respond. Republicans stated at the time that Biggs received 31 votes.
In the midterm elections this year, Republicans won a majority in the House by a small margin, making it possible for only a few Republican opponents to prevent McCarthy from becoming speaker.
The entire 435-seat House, including Republicans and Democrats, vote on the floor to select the speaker, with 218 votes required for success. With a 221-seat majority, Republicans are expected to take control on January 3.
Even if McCarthy wins the speakership, it would be difficult for him to maintain control of the Republican conference, according to aides in Congress.
