🎧 Listen: In today's episode of The Journal podcast, nataliewsj explains why some Republicans in the House continue to block Kevin McCarthy's path to become speaker, and what it could take for them to be swayed
This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated.Ryan Knutson: How would you describe what's happening in Congress right now?Ryan Knutson: That's our colleague, Natalie Andrews, who covers Congress. Republicans won control of the House and now they're trying to elect a speaker. But Kevin McCarthy, the leading candidate, doesn't have enough votes.
Ryan Knutson: Without a speaker, the House can't function, members can't get sworn in. The only thing the House can do is vote for a speaker or vote to adjourn. This year, the expectation was that Kevin McCarthy, who'd been the top-ranking Republican in the House, was going to get the job. Natalie Andrews: The House Republicans met early Tuesday and it was a very contentious meeting. The McCarthy supporters were yelling at the detractors and telling them they shouldn't have any committee positions if they voted against Kevin McCarthy, which really upset the detractors. There was swearing that really solidified the opposition. A few people released statements after that meeting saying they wouldn't vote for Kevin McCarthy.
Natalie Andrews: These are largely Republicans who come from safe GOP districts. So with the exception of Lauren Boebert, who narrowly won her race in Colorado, these are Republicans who represent conservative districts and they've mostly made a brand for themselves in being conservative. They're mostly from the Southern US. They're known, many of them, for being firebrands and thorns in leadership side.
Natalie Andrews: The motion to vacate is key. Kevin McCarthy didn't want to give in on that because it could mean his job is very short, and it means that he knows that he's always on thin ice. So no speaker wants to give into that, but it was a red line for many of these members. Ryan Knutson: A lot of these McCarthy detractors are Trump allies and Trump supporters, but Trump endorsed McCarthy for the speaker role. So why isn't he able to sway them?
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