As Republicans continue to go back-and-forth in the House of Representatives, some GOP members have begun taking their thoughts public, calling the party “embarrassing for the nation.”
On Tuesday, Republicans picked their third nominee for Speaker, selecting Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer.
But with the party still fighting itself, it’s not yet clear if Emmer will be able to receive enough votes to win the spot.
Meanwhile, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy took shots at his own party over the weekend while speaking with NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“This is embarrassing for the Republican Party. Embarrassing for the nation,” McCarthy said.
The ousting of McCarthy took place three weeks ago, leaving Washington, D.C., in a scramble as it struggles to get one of its branches of government back up and running.
Since McCarthy’s departure, Republicans have failed to nominate Reps. Steve Scalise (LA) and Jim Jordan (OH), making Emmer the third nominee selected.
Jordan, who received support from former President Donald Trump, stepped out of the race last Friday after failing to secure the votes needed, thanks to those loyal to McCarthy who refused to vote for him.
Now Emmer, who has the support of McCarthy, will get a chance to test the waters and see if he can unite the party and get the House back up and running.
Still, some seem embarrassed by the actions of a few Republicans who started the battle for the speakership after putting up a stink in January when electing McCarthy.
Rep. Michael Turner (OH) joined CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday to discuss the run for speakership.
“Congress is a lot like high school but even more so, so, hopefully, we’ll get past this,” Turner said.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said on Fox News that Republicans in the House were dragging their feet.
“They should go into a conference, not come out, bring food in and stay there,” Gingrich said. “They shouldn’t bring anybody out until they have 217.”