Status: 07.01.2023 07:05 a.m
Cheering in the US House of Representatives after four tough days: In the 15th ballot, the MPs elected Republican McCarthy as their chairman. This ends a historic power struggle.
At the 15th attempt, Kevin McCarthy achieved his goal and received the necessary majority for the presidency of the US House of Representatives, as was officially announced after the vote in the House of Representatives. The Republican won the oral vote by a vote of 216 to 212.
Not since the 19th century has it taken so many attempts for members of the House of Representatives to find a new leader. The last time there were more ballots was only in 1859/1860. At that time, Republican William Pennington was only elected chairman of the Chamber of Congress in the 44th ballot. The process took several weeks at the time.
The tug of war for the House of Representatives continues
Jan Koch, ARD Washington, tagesschau24 11:00 a.m., January 6, 2023
McCarthy makes concessions
After days of debate, his ultra-conservative critics within the party ended their opposition to the 57-year-old, whom they had previously described as too moderate.
McCarthy had previously met them and made further concessions. Among other things, he had assured that in the future the vote of a single member of parliament should be enough to bring about a vote on the dismissal of the chairman. Ordinary MPs should also have more opportunities to influence the drafting and approval of laws. Among other things, he had secured the support of Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry.
The Republican faction leader had repeatedly downplayed the internal revolt against him and rejected allegations that the uprising in his own ranks was weakening him. Referring to the historical scope of the drama, he said, “I like making history.” He also holds the record for the longest speech in the House of Representatives.
Weakened into the new office
McCarthy is now officially the third man in the state – after the US President and his deputy. However, he takes office weakened after the tough election procedure.
He has announced that he wants to put an end to the “uncontrolled squandering of taxpayers’ money”. He also wants to campaign for changes in energy and immigration policies. The allegedly uncontrolled immigration along an allegedly open southern border is one of the central Republican hot topics.