As Republicans in the US House of Representatives continue to struggle to elect a Speaker of the House many are wondering how long the standoff could last.
So far, there have been six failed votes for the House speaker, with previously expected favorite Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) failing to reach the 218 votes necessary.
Part of the reason behind the historic six failed votes is a band of Congress members who continue to oppose McCarthy for a variety of reasons. This includes Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), and several others.
GOP House Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) spoke with News Talk 830 WCCO political analyst Blois Olson about what is going on in the House, downplaying what many are calling a historic failure.
“It’s been an interesting experience,” Emmer said.
Part of the reason Emmer said there have been so many failed votes is McCarthy’s unwillingness to budge behind doors, unlike former speakers.
“Nancy Pelosi, as we came into the 117th Congress, literally gave up all kinds of things, including committees, creating new leadership positions etc., to get just the bare minimum of votes,” Emmer said.
“For the first time in 100 years, the deals being made in the back room are not being made in the back room," Emmer said, referring to Pelosi making deals to get votes and maintain her seat as speaker.
Emmer discussed the members sitting on their hands and not budging, saying that there seems to be two camps opposing McCarthy.
“There are probably a handful of members where it's a personality issue and not a policy issue,” Emmer said.
However, he continued saying that the other group is looking to make several rule changes, including having “all spending” originate in the House before going to the Senate.
While it seems like votes will continue into next week, Emmer says that hope isn’t all gone, as he said that there were constructive conversations seen last night, and they have continued into today.
“I don’t know what the plan is right now, because that hasn’t been firmed up,” Emmer said. “I know those conversations from last night were continuing this morning.”
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