Republicans tried again last week—and failed—to elect a Speaker of the House.
Multiple floor votes left the party’s latest nominee, Jim Jordan (R-OH), woefully short of the necessary 217 votes with opposition growing and the entire scene turning uglier by the hour. Some GOP members opposed to Jordan have faced death threats against them and their families.
An alternative idea—to expand the powers of Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) temporarily—fizzled quickly. It is unclear if that approach will be resuscitated.
The House is about to enter its third week without a speaker, unable to function as a legislative body, and with the GOP majority doubting it can elect anyone on its own. Some Republicans acknowledge they will only escape the current paralysis with Democratic votes, but have not put forward anyone who might be able to secure such support.
And while the House quagmire continues, pressing issues—like the crisis in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and avoiding a government shutdown when funding runs out in mid-November—grow heavier by the day.
Sincerely,
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association
College would become even less affordable and meaningful reform of student debt relief programs impossible under the House GOP’s proposed education budget.
Tell the Department of Labor you support the proposed expansion of overtime pay for workers making under $55,000 and that teachers and faculty should also receive this benefit.
