Jim Jordan, Donald Trump’s right-hand man, was once again unable to win the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives in the US Congress. This unprecedented situation paralyzes the institution, depriving Congress of its powers and preventing any legislative progress.
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is currently without a speaker since the impeachment of Kevin McCarthy. This situation has caused unprecedented chaos, with the inability to pass laws or approve funds to fulfill election promises. The glaring divisions within the Republican Party are now on full display, just one year before the US presidential elections.
Jim Jordan, elected from Ohio and member of the most conservative wing of the Republican Party, is currently the only candidate vying for the post of speaker. However, in the two votes held, he failed to gain the support necessary to take over the leadership of the House of Representatives. He will have to try his luck again in a third vote.
About twenty moderate elected officials criticize Jim Jordan for his extreme positions and refuse to support him as speaker. For their part, Democrats also criticize his ambiguous position on the 2020 presidential election and his unconditional support for Donald Trump, who continues to describe this election as “stolen” without tangible evidence. The Democrats are therefore not ready to support his candidacy.
The crisis in Congress could last several days or even longer, as was the case with the impeachment of Kevin McCarthy. Republicans are desperately seeking a solution to avoid a repeat of this humiliating situation. Several scenarios are being considered, including that of temporarily strengthening the powers of the interim speaker, Patrick McHenry. Another possible outcome would be a surprising alliance between moderate Republicans and Joe Biden’s Democrats, in order to end their internal “civil war” and form a coalition transcending political parties.
This crisis in the American Congress is symptomatic of the deep divisions that drive the Republican Party and underlines the urgency of finding stable leadership to be able to carry out the country’s affairs. In the meantime, the continuing power vacuum greatly affects Congress’s ability to work effectively and meet constituents’ expectations. All of America eagerly awaits a resolution to this political impasse that is crippling one of the nation’s most important institutions.