House speaker vote: McCarthy thanks Trump for final votes as fight nearly breaks out on floor
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Your support makes all the difference.Kevin McCarthy was finally elected speaker of the House of Representatives after 15 rounds of voting, clinching the gavel just after midnight on Saturday.
The longest contest for speaker of the House of Representatives in more than a century finally came to an end as six remaining Republican holdouts opted to vote “present”, giving Mr McCarthy a majority over Democrat Hakeem Jeffries.
Earlier, Republican House member Mike Rogers had to be physically restrained after lunging at Matt Gaetz amid chaotic scenes in the House.
Congressman Richard Hudson grabbed Mr Rogers by his face and physically pulled him away.
In his first speech as speaker, Mr McCarthy thanked former president Donald Trump for “helping get those final votes”.
Mr McCarthy’s bid had been delayed by a group of far-right Republicans including the likes of Lauren Boebert and Mr Gaetz.
However, on Friday he made significant progress in the 12th ballot, managing to flip a total of 14 representatives-elect in his favour after lengthy negotiations.
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AOC reveals why she was chatting with Gosar who fantasised about killing her in anime video
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez revealed why the Republican congressman who once posted a cartoon of him killing her spoke with her on the House floor during the vote for speaker of the House of Representatives.
In between votes for speaker, Ms Ocasio-Cortez spoke with Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona.
She told The Independent what they discussed.
AOC reveals why she was chatting with GOP opponent who fantasised about killing her
The progressive Democrat and Representative Paul Gosar were caught chatting on the House floor amid the chaotic speaker’s vote.
Rep Donalds calls for recess
Republican Congressman Byron Donalds is calling for a recess to work out next steps.
He tweeted: “The reality is Rep. Kevin McCarthy doesn’t have the votes. I committed my support to him publicly and for two votes on the House Floor. 218 is the number, and currently, no one is there. Our conference needs to recess and huddle and find someone or work out the next steps...”
“but these continuous votes aren’t working for anyone. When the dust settles, we will have a Republican Speaker, now is the time for our conference to debate and come to a consensus. This will take time, Democracy is messy at times, but we will be ready to govern on behalf of the American people. Debate is healthy.”
‘A speaker has not been elected'
The official third ballot tally is:
Jeffries: 212 McCarthy: 202 Jordan: 20
House adjourns until noon tomorrow
The House of Representatives adjourns until midday on Wednesday with no House speaker elected.
The motion to adjourn came from Rep Tom Cole, a close ally of Kevin McCarthy.
House adjourns for night as Kevin McCarthy’s speaker bid flounders
Kevin McCarthy is in the wilderness as the House voted suddenly to adjourn Tuesday evening without reaching a consensus over who should serve as the chamber’s speaker.
Three rounds of voting concluded on Tuesday without a clear winner; Democrat Hakeem Jeffries was in the lead, thanks to a GOP split, but short of the 218 votes needed to secure the gavel.
John Bowden has the latest from Washington, DC.
Trump declines to say if he still backs McCarthy
Former president Donald Trump’s support for Rep Kevin McCarthy’s House speaker bid appears to be softening, after the California Republican failed to clinch enough votes to take the gavel after several rounds of voting.
Mr Trump had previously lobbied for Mr McCarthy to become speaker after Republicans eked out a majority in the House of Representatives in the November midterm elections.
But after Mr McCarthy’s bid was stymied by far-right House Republicans, Mr Trump appeared to leave his options open.
John Bowden reports.
Trump tiptoes away from McCarthy amid House speaker flop: ‘We’ll see what happens’
‘We’ll see what happens. We’ll see how it all works out,’ former president says
House GOP dysfunction leaves Sen Patty Murray second in line for presidency
The House of Representatives’ failure to elect a speaker after three ballots on Tuesday means two women will, for a time, remain first and second in line for the presidency should disaster befall President Joe Biden.
Andrew Feinberg explains.
House GOP dysfunction leaves Sen Patty Murray second in line for presidency
The Washington senator is the Senate’s President Pro Tempore, a largely ceremonial post that is normally third in the presidential order of succession
GOP pull down Capitol metal detectors
The new Republican majority in Congress has decided to remove the metal detectors that outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi installed outside the House chamber after the Capitol riot on January 6, according to Rep Lauren Boebert.
Abe Asher reports.
GOP pull down Capitol metal detectors after members were fined for dodging them
The Republicans may not have a speaker, but they appear to have made one change in the House
Supporters celebrate ‘Senator Fetterman’ getting sworn in
Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman has been sworn in as a senator, to the delight of his supporters.
He is the only new senator who flipped party control of his seat, having won an open seat held by retiring Republican Senator Pat Toomey.
Supporters celebrate ‘Senator Fetterman’ getting sworn in
‘For those of you asking, yes, there will be a Fetterman in shorts today, but it’s not me,’ senator says
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