Republican Hard-Liners Withhold Support for Scalise as Speaker, Exacerbating Inactivity in the House

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Nominated for the position of House Speaker, Rep. Steve Scalise encountered an escalating issue within his own party on Thursday: A cohort of skeptical Republican members are withholding their endorsement, thereby preventing him from obtaining the majority vote essential for securing the role.

The crisis has worsened, leaving Republicans with yet another day devoid of a House Speaker. To gain the position, Scalise needs to amass over 100 votes, primarily from supporters of his main opponent, Rep. Jim Jordan, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Jordan, favored by staunch conservatives, declared his withdrawal from the race and transferred his support to Scalise.

However, numerous hard-line Republicans, influenced by Donald Trump, are entrenched in an extended struggle to find a replacement for Rep. Kevin McCarthy, following his unprecedented removal from the speakership. These members contend that Scalise, who is also contending with a health condition, specifically cancer, is not the suitable leader for them. Consequently, no votes have been scheduled in the House.

“After another confidential meeting in the Capitol, we will resolve this,” stated Scalise. During a two-hour session, Scalise responded to every question and vowed to address the concerns raised. Nonetheless, a straightforward solution remains elusive.

When Rep. Kevin McCarthy arrived at the Capitol, he emphasized, “Time is critical.” In response to queries about the feasibility of Scalise garnering adequate support, McCarthy conceded, “It’s feasible, but it’s a steep climb.”

As the House goes into its second week without a Speaker, its functionality is severely impaired, adding to the political onus on Republicans to regain majority control and execute legislative responsibilities.

Immediate action is imperative to prevent a government shutdown next month. Additionally, Congress is expected to make a robust endorsement of Israel in its conflict with Hamas, although bipartisan efforts have been stymied by the ongoing deadlock. The White House is likely to request funding for Israel, Ukraine, and the replenishment of the U.S. weapons cache.

The scenario somewhat mirrors the beginning of the year, when McCarthy faced similar resistance from a distinct faction of far-right conservatives who initially voted him in as Speaker, only to subsequently orchestrate his removal.

The numbers this time, however, are more challenging. In a private Republican vote, Scalise won 113-99. Although Scalise had previously suggested that he would secure 150 votes in a confidential ballot, he fell short of that number. He now requires 217 votes for a majority, which is expected to be crucial in a floor fight against Democrats. With the chamber delicately balanced at 221-212 and two seats vacant, Scalise can afford to lose only a few Republicans while facing near-certain opposition from Democrats backing their leader, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.

Democrats, increasingly exasperated, are urging Republicans to resolve the impasse, cautioning that the world’s attention is focused on them. “The GOP needs to end its internal conflict immediately,” said Jeffries.

Republicans spent a second day in closed-door meetings, engaged in debates and airing grievances but were unable to coalesce around a single nominee.

Rep. Dan Crenshaw expressed that the meeting had been dominated by “emotional” reluctance to support Scalise, stating, “Personal grievances should not be the focus, yet that’s what seems to be happening.”

Some Republicans even chose to leave the meeting with their lunches, while Rep. Jim Jordan reiterated his withdrawal and endorsed Scalise. Despite this endorsement and Jordan’s encouragement to fellow lawmakers to vote for Scalise, the holdouts remain unswayed.

Hard-line factions announced continued allegiance to either Jordan, McCarthy, or another candidate altogether. Rep. Troy Nehls affirmed his support for Trump as Speaker—a position not requiring Congressional membership.

Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, recently discussed Scalise’s health condition, stating, “Steve is seriously ill, particularly with his cancer.” Scalise is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma.

Republicans are keen on averting a disorderly floor confrontation similar to the protracted battle that ensued when McCarthy assumed the speakership. However, some believe it is time for a decisive action. “Quit prolonging it,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene commented via social media, adding that the next Speaker should be as resilient as McCarthy had been in previous rounds.

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Contributors to this report include Jill Colvin in New York and Kevin Freking.

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More about House Speaker crisis

• GOP House Speaker Race
• Profile of Rep. Steve Scalise
• Rep. Jim Jordan’s Withdrawal
• The Role of the House Speaker
• Current Legislative Deadlocks in Congress
• Democratic Response to GOP Infighting
• Immediate Policy Issues at Stake
• Donald Trump’s Comments on Rep. Scalise
• Historical Instances of Speaker Elections
• Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s Ouster