Ousted House speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested that he could run for the position again after being ousted by his fellow Republicans as the GOP remains divided on who to replace him.
So far, two other Republican lawmakers have announced their candidacy for House speaker, namely, Reps. Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise. Following the removal of McCarthy, the House became rudderless and paralyzed. Since then, he has worked on projecting normalcy and leadership in the face of the war in Israel.
Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker
The conflict began after Hamas militants conducted an invasion that has already resulted in hundreds of deaths and the capture of scores of civilian Israeli hostages. McCarthy summoned reporters to the Capitol to devise a plan to defend Israel and rescue American captives in the region.
The situation had everything that McCarthy's former role had to, where he spoke behind a podium in the Rayburn Room, where the speaker often holds official ceremonies. He also used the language of a party leader during a crisis, as per the New York Times.
During the event, McCarthy said that now is the time for action, saying that the United States must be there for "our friend Israel." However, the Republican lawmaker no longer holds the position of House speaker, and the situation only underscored the disarray among House Republicans.
GOP lawmakers are set to gather on Tuesday to discuss whom to nominate as McCarthy's successor. Furthermore, a party vote is scheduled for Wednesday, followed by a formal election on the floor.
There was also little doubt that McCarthy's remarks during the event suggested that he remains angry and saddened by his sudden removal as House speaker at the hands of rebellious lawmakers within his party. He lamented how only 4% of his party's members succeeded in effectively removing a speaker who was supported by 96%.
Unprecedented Ouster from Power
On Monday, McCarthy criticized United States President Joe Biden's administration over the strength of its defense of Israel. He also positioned himself as the de facto Republican leader despite being ousted from the speakership, according to the Associated Press.
The situation has placed Congress at a crossroads during a crisis. It is the first time a speaker has been booted from power, operating without a constitutional officer second in line to the presidency. This has caused House business, mostly congressional action, to a standstill.
There are also broader demands on Congress, which include Ukraine's requests for aid as it continues to defend itself against Russia's invasion, as well as the need for funding for the U.S. government by Nov. 17. Meanwhile, the Senate is out of session and will only convene again next week.
During an interview, McCarthy said he is willing to return to the role of House speaker if enough Republican lawmakers who voted in favor of his ouster last week become open to his reinstatement into the position, said the Washington Post.
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