Jim Jordan Opposition Efforts Intensfies
Date : 18th October
THE SOIL – Jim Jordan, a Republican, had stronger resistance than anticipated from members of his own party and lost the first vote in his attempt to become Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
20 Republicans declined to support the right-wing Ohio lawmaker in spite of vigorous persuasion.
Plans for a second vote were shelved by the Trump ally until Wednesday morning.
Since Kevin McCarthy was overthrown two weeks ago by a right-wing uprising, the lower house of Congress has been without a speaker.
Jim Jordan Pledges to "Keep Working"
The House cannot approve emergency relief requests from the White House or pass any bills without a leader. This includes possible support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
Though Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, received 212 more votes than Mr. Jordan, it was insufficient because the Democrats are the minority party in the House.
Mr. Jim Jordan pledged to “keep working” and said he was confident he would win in the end.
Republicans Who Declines Support to Jim Jordan Voted for Kevin McCarthy
A second vote was supposed to happen on Tuesday, but the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee later announced that it will happen on Wednesday at 11:00 (15:00 GMT).
Republicans who declined to support Jim Jordan either chose other candidates or voted for Kevin McCarthy, the previous Speaker who was removed on October 3.
Among other political grievances, a group of New York Republicans who voted against Mr. Jordan pointed to his opposition to assistance for 9/11 survivors.
Mr. Jim Jordan Carries a History of Squabbling
Elise Stefanik, a fellow Republican from New York, meanwhile, referred to Mr. Jordan as “a patriot, an America First warrior who wins the toughest of fights.”
Mr. Jim Jordan has a history of squabbling with fellow party members. The ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, which he founded, was previously called “legislative terrorists” by former Republican Speaker John Boehner.
Republican Ken Buck of Colorado claimed that the Ohio congressman had yet to accept former President Donald Trump’s defeat by Joe Biden in the 2020 race.
Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican from Florida who voted against Jim Jordan, claimed he was under no “pressure at all” to switch his vote.
Republican from Florida who backs Jim Jordan
Another anti-Jordan holdout from Oregon, Lori Chavez-DeRemer proposed giving North Carolina Republican and acting Speaker Patrick McHenry more authority to keep the House running amid the standoff.
Republican from Florida who backs Mr. Jordan, Byron Donalds, told the BBC he was shocked by the number of voters who had cast ballots against him.
Two-time Speaker of the House and Democrat from California, Nancy Pelosi, told reporters that Mr. Jordan had obviously misjudged opposition to him.
Tom Emmer To Step's Up if Support for Mr. Jordan falls
The third-ranking Republican in the House and a candidate for Speaker, Tom Emmer of Minnesota, may step up if support for Mr. Jordan falls.
Republican hardliners, including Mr. Jordan himself, fiercely opposed funding for the war in Ukraine, which played a part in the historic vote that resulted in Mr. McCarthy’s removal this month.