Unable to reach the winning threshold after six votes.
The House of Representatives has begun its third day of trying to determine the next speaker. Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, who was the minority leader in the previous congressional term, was the presumptive choice for the role. However, after six votes, he has not clinched the position.
Congressman McCarthy is in active negotiations and discussions, making concessions to dissenters to glean support.
Representative-elect Patrick McHenry of North Carolina said there were “multiple meetings happening right now” in an effort to bring unity to the majority party. Until a speaker is elected, members will not be sworn in nor committees established. Investigations and legislative business are on hold until this vital step is taken.
The next speaker needs 218 votes of the majority of 222 members to be elected. Representative McCarthy has been stuck at 201. Thursday morning, he said he was “making progress.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the House as they consider candidates for the role of speaker.
- For Representative McCarthy as he makes his case with colleagues to get their votes.
- For God’s purposes to be accomplished through the actions of Congress.
Sources: The Hill, Newsmax, CBS News
