Despite Republicans having the majority in the chamber, it took McCarthy 15 tries to secure the job. On the final round of voting, McCarthy reached the tally of 216, and six voting ‘present’.
On the first day of the 118th Congress, the US House speaker election began and continued for a series of days. After heated exchanges that saw Republicans engage in a series of arguments, Kevin McCarthy was elected the Speaker of the US House of Representatives on Saturday morning. It turned out to be a big win for Republicans as it brings McCarthy to an extremely powerful position.
McCarthy’s bid to secure the gavel became the longest contest in 164 years. To bring the picture in his favor, Republican fellows and McCarthy made many concessions to conservatives, that ‘frustrated’ moderates, writes CNN.
BBC reports that Kevin McCarthy told reporters, ‘Former President Donald Trump had helped him get the final votes. He further added ‘don’t think anybody should doubt his influence.’
Sequence of events
Top Republicans had put their confidence in McCarthy during the 14th round of voting, but he unluckily fell short of votes. Republicans then moved to the 15th round of voting by switching their votes, which in turn made McCarthy victorious.
McCarthy’s Key Concessions and Promises
- Throughout the negotiations, McCarthy made a series of concessions and promises
- On crucial conservative bills like the balanced budget amendment, congressional term limits, and border security – THe House will hold votes
- Call for a motion to vacate the speaker’s chair can be moved by any representative.
- Restore the Holman rule
- Align the nation’s debt ceiling with spending cuts.
- Increase in Freedom Caucus representation on committees.
- Provide a 72-hour review window for bills before they come to the floor of the House.
- Build a probe panel for the ‘weaponization’ of the federal govt.
FAQs
How many rounds of voting did it take for McCarthy to win the House Speaker post?
15
Who is in majority in U.S. Chamber?
Republican Party
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