Washington DC, United States: The US House Speaker was removed by the US House of Representatives for the first time in history. After the removal of Kevin McCarthy, many Republicans are all set to take over the job responsibilities.
According to various reports, many leaders have shown their interest in the position while some, including Republicans Trop Nehls and Greg Steube, have suggested the name of former US President Donald Trump to take up the job role.
However, the hopes of the leaders disappeared because Trump is under four criminal indictments and the rules of the Republican House state that the leader must step aside from the row if indicted. Bottom of Form
In this regard, Donald Trump has stated that he would like to focus on the presidential elections in 2024.
Who are the expected contenders?
Kevin Hern: He is the chairman of the Republic Study Committee and has mentioned that many lawmakers have approached him to take the role. He claims to be open to it.
Jim Jordan: Jordan was the first Republican candidate to raise his participation in the candidacy for US House speaker. He wrote a letter on Wednesday night and showed interest in the job role. He is regarded as a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and has also led investigations against the Biden administration.
Steve Scalise: He showed his interest in the job role through a letter on Wednesday. However, he serves as the House majority leader and if he is elected as the US House Speaker, then his seat will become vacant.
It is to be noted that he is continuously questioned about his physical ability to do the job – as he is battling with cancer. But Scalise has always responded that he feels great.
Tom Cole: He is a Republican veteran who serves as the chair of the House Rules Committee, which is a powerful position. However, he has mentioned that he is not interested in taking up the job responsibility, but there is probability that he could gather support from other Republicans.
Patrick McHenry: He is currently serving as a temporary acting House speaker following the removal of McCarthy. This could possibly offer an advantage to him to keep the post. However, he has mentioned that he is not sure about whether he wants to take the role or not. Currently, McHenry is the chair of the House Financial Services Committee.
Byron Donalds: He has been emerging as a great choice in the Republican Party; he received around 20 votes during round one of the speaker election. Donalds is the representative for the 19th congressional district of Florida.
Hakeem Jeffries: He is a Democratic leader who garnered more votes as compared to McCarthy during the voting process for the job role of US House Speaker in January. But there are chances that Republicans will block Jefferies from taking the role.
How the next speaker of the House will be decided?
The Republicans and Democrats will nominate one candidate each by the next week and then the members of the House will cast a vote for the next speaker. The one candidate who will manage to win a majority of the votes will be the next speaker.
Representatives are not required to vote.
McCarthy – interim acting Speaker
Republican Representative Patrick McHenry was appointed as the acting speaker of the US House immediately after McCarthy was unseated. According to the official update, McHenry will serve as the acting speaker for three (3) legislative days.
McHenry will be exercising all the responsibilities of the speaker.
Can McCarthy become the speaker again?
According to the authorities, McCarthy can take the job of speaker of the US House again. However, following his abrupt removal, he announced that he would not win back the gavel.