Title: Rep. Jim Jordan Supports Temporary Empowerment of Interim Speaker McHenry, But Hurdles Remain
Word Count: 399
In a bid to secure the position of speaker, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio has thrown his support behind a plan to temporarily empower interim Speaker Patrick McHenry, according to sources familiar with the matter. Jordan, who faced two consecutive rounds of voting setbacks this week, remains determined to continue running for the speaker’s role, seeking to garner more votes.
However, the resolution to empower McHenry may face difficulties in securing enough votes. Several conservative members, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Jim Banks, have publicly criticized the plan, referring to it as a cop-out and a mistake. Adding to the opposition, Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, has also expressed his disapproval of the resolution.
Reports suggest that roughly “two-thirds” of the conference is against empowering McHenry, leading them to explore alternative candidates apart from Jordan. Following a closed-door meeting, multiple GOP members have declared the effort to empower McHenry as “dead.”
Nevertheless, navigating bipartisan territory, Democrats have engaged in discussions with Republicans, expressing support for a resolution proposed by Rep. Dave Joyce of Ohio to empower McHenry. However, Democrats maintain specific conditions for their support, including certifying the 2020 election and selecting a temporary speaker with a track record of confronting extremism and defending democracy.
Interestingly, McHenry fulfills all the criteria set by the Democrats. Despite this, he remains committed to Jordan’s bid for the speakership. McHenry made clear that his focus is on aiding Jordan in securing the necessary votes for the position.
The ongoing struggle for the speaker role reflects the internal division within the Republican Party. Jordan’s decision to back McHenry temporarily showcases his relentless pursuit of the speakership, even as alternative candidates are being considered. However, staunch conservative opponents argue that the resolution would not be beneficial for the party, labeling it a cop-out.
It remains to be seen whether McHenry’s temporary empowerment will gather enough support, or if the majority will rally behind an alternative candidate. Nevertheless, with Democrats expressing conditional support for McHenry, the battle for the speaker position becomes increasingly complex. As this issue unfolds, political dynamics within the Republican Party could undergo significant shifts in the days to come.
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