Jim Jordan has lost the vote to become Speaker of the House of Representatives for the second time. This time 22 Republicans voted against the representative from Ohio.
Their reasons are different. Some are upset with the most conservative wing of the Republican Party - to which Jordan belongs - for causing Kevin McCarthy to be removed as Speaker. Therefore, their vote against Jordan is a way of punishment. Others who represent swing districts do not want to support one of the most conservative leaders of the party.
Pennsylvania Rep. Dave Joyce, a moderate leader, is considering pushing a resolution that would temporarily expand the powers of House Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry. With the urgency of the war against Hamas terrorism, McHenry's name and the possibility of expanding his leadership are gaining more and more support.
Although Joyce was one of the 200 Republicans who voted for Jordan, this Wednesday the representative said that "after two weeks without a Speaker of the House and no clear candidate with 217 votes in the Republican conference, it is time to look at other viable options. By empowering Patrick McHenry as Speaker Pro Tempore we can take care of our ally Israel until a new Speaker is elected."
The idea of expanding McHenry's powers is also gaining more support from representatives who refuse to vote for Jordan. Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez voted against Jordan and said he will continue to vote against him, but he claims he is willing to support any resolution that gives more power to McHenry while another House speaker is elected.
The proposal has support even among Democrats. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said this week that McHenry is highly respected in his party and even claimed that some "informal conversations" took place to reach an agreement on a Republican Speaker.
In addition to this, important figures such as former House Speakers Newt Gingrich and John Boehner have said they agree with the idea of expanding McHenry's powers while a new Speaker is elected.
