On Tuesday, incoming lawmakers arrived on the floor of the House of Representatives expecting to pose for a photo and get started with their first day as lawmakers. However, they were instead greeted with a several-hour wait as the speaker election went to multiple rounds of balloting. President Joe Biden commented on the situation, saying that House Republicans’ inability to unify behind a speaker candidate, which has prevented the chamber from beginning its legislative business, is “not a good look” for the country.
The position of speaker is traditionally filled on the first day of a new Congress, followed by the swearing in of new members. However, with the floor fight spilling into Wednesday, members-elect have yet to take the oath of office. House Republicans’ choice candidate for the job, Kevin McCarthy of California, failed to win the required majority on three ballots Tuesday — the first time in a century a speaker hasn’t been selected on the first ballot.
The failure to elect a speaker is not only denying the GOP a leader, but it is also holding up much of the functioning of the chamber. With the speaker election still unresolved, the House is unable to move forward with its legislative agenda. This includes passing bills, confirming presidential nominees, and conducting oversight of the executive branch.
The speaker election is expected to continue on Wednesday, and it is unclear when a speaker will be elected. Until then, the House of Representatives will remain in limbo, unable to move forward with its legislative agenda.
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