A handful of hardline US Republicans have vowed to block Kevin McCarthy's bid to become the speaker of the House of Representatives, signaling a brutal battle inside the party on its first day holding the majority
Republicans won a narrow 222-212 majority in November's election, meaning that Mr McCarthy - or any candidate for speaker - will need to unify a fractious caucus to win the gavel.
"We may have a battle on the floor but the battle is for the conference and the country," Mr McCarthy told reporters afterward. He withdrew from his last bid for speakership in 2015 in the face of conservative oppositions. "I'm here to fight for the American people not McCarthy," Representative Chip Roy told reporters. Ralph Norman confirmed he still was not planning to vote for Mr McCarthy, saying,"All bets are off," as he walked into the meeting.
Referring to Mr McCarthy's hardcore opponents, he added:"They're going to lose this battle because they stand for nothing." On Sunday evening, Republican politicians who were prepared to vote against Mr McCarthy numbered in the double digits, according to a source familiar with the situation. Representative Don Bacon, a McCarthy supporter, wrote on the online conservative news website Daily Caller that he could reach across the aisle to find Democratic support for an unidentified Republican candidate if hardliners did not relent.Standoffs are expected over legislation to keep the government open, fund the military and address the US debt ceiling.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mayo’s footballers beat Sligo in bright start for Kevin McStayNew York thrashed Longford in their first full senior intercounty hurling match since 2006.
Read more »
Biden plans White House event marking Capitol attackUS President Joe Biden is planning to commemorate the second anniversary of the 6 January, 2021, attack on the Capitol with a White House ceremony, according to a schedule released by his office last night.
Read more »
Jenna Marbles' house was broken into following months of harassment | Her.ieJenna Marbles' house was broken into following months of harassment
Read more »
The 8 at 8: TuesdayThe 8 at 8: Public health reforms, house price and overcrowding in emergency departments
Read more »