House In Scramble After Marginal Majority Win

By Jackson Kincaid

In Brief: 

The U.S. House now has a Republican majority after the GOP took 220 seats to the Democrats’ 213 during the midterm elections. With this change, and two seats still undecided,  there will be a new Speaker of the House, causing an upheaval among the party as they determine priorities, allegiances, and how they will push back against the Biden Administration.

The Background: 

On January 3rd, a new Speaker of the House will be elected and Nancy Pelosi will exit her current position. However, despite Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s recent victory in a preliminary vote Speaker, some conservatives are vowing to not vote for him.

Having such a slim majority makes it even more critical to have allies in the Houses. Enter the caucus.

The Daily Wire reports that McCarthy, who appears set to take over as Speaker of the House, is not a caucus member. Last week, the House Republican leadership shot down six of the eight rule changes that have been proposed.

Another proposed rule the House GOP leadership shot down was an amendment that would have allowed committee members to elect their own chairmen rather than leadership appointing them.

Notable Quotes: 

“Our current candidate for Speaker doesn't have the 218 votes necessary to become Speaker on January 3, 2023. I do not believe he will ever get to 218 votes, and I refuse to assist him in his effort to get those votes. In the end, I must concur with my constituents: it is time to make a change at the top of the House of Representatives. I cannot vote for the gentleman from California, Mr. McCarthy." –Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ)