The situation was chaotic before, but the bickering in the larger of the two parliamentary chambers in the USA is now taking on absurd dimensions.
The third most powerful position in US politics has been vacant for more than three weeks – and time is of the essence. As long as no one wields the gavel in the larger of the two chambers of Congress, the country will remain politically paralyzed. The timing could hardly be worse: New billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel are to be approved and the budget dispute is to be resolved by mid-November at the latest.
But there is no solution in sight.
Eight Republicans are running for chairmanship of the US House of Representatives
After a group of ultra-right wingmen led by ringleader Matt Gaetz overthrew current speaker Kevin McCarthy in a historic mutiny, two potential successors, Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan, have already failed. After two unsuccessful rounds of elections, Jordan even offered to give interim speaker Patrick McHenry more extensive powers until January – this would have allowed Parliament to work again, at least temporarily. However, because this would have required cooperation with the Democrats, the proposal ultimately proved to be the Trumpist’s downfall.
With Jordan’s withdrawal from the race for Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Republicans are back at square one. Before we can think about the next (and possibly the next) election round, the deeply divided faction must first agree on a new candidate.
Given the recent attrition of applicants, the question is: Who hasn’t? Who wants again? Eight MPs raised their hands. Among them: zero women and only two men who recognized Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. They probably all lack the necessary gravitas.
Sources: “Politico“; “New York Times“; “CNBC“; BBC