The process of selecting the next speaker of the United States House of Representatives is in turmoil. After the surprise impeachment of Kevin McCarthy, Republicans find themselves at an impasse over finding a suitable successor. Following an informal vote, Steve Scalise, elected from Louisiana, came out on top, but his candidacy faced public opposition from certain elected officials from the Trumpist fringe.
The House of Representatives, currently paralyzed by this internal crisis, cannot submit new texts to a vote, which particularly hinders the adoption of urgent measures for assistance to Israel after the Hamas offensive and for aid to Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion. The Republicans, divided between moderates and Trumpists, are trying to find a consensus to break this impasse, but fractures within the party make the task difficult.
Steve Scalise, known for having been seriously injured during baseball practice in 2017, must now obtain the support of 217 elected officials in a plenary session vote to be elected head of the House of Representatives. However, some elected officials including Marjorie Taylor Greene, close to Donald Trump, are already opposing his candidacy, citing his budgetary positions and his fragile state of health.
The Democratic Party, a minority in the House, remains a spectator of this internal conflict among the Republicans. President Joe Biden is nonetheless urging Congress to take urgent action to address the national security needs of America’s partners. Without a new Speaker of the House, Congress is also unable to pass a new budget, which could lead to a paralysis of public administration.
In conclusion, the fight for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives remains intense, with public opposition to Steve Scalise’s candidacy. Congress is blocked from adopting important measures, and the absence of a new Speaker of the House could lead to a paralysis of public administration in the coming weeks.