Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the House of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) told The Post on Saturday that only he can unite a divided House Republican conference as they prepare to vote on a new speaker next week.
“I feel the momentum,” he said following the uproar that occurred when Republicans led by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz ousted California Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker after only nine months of service.
Brand conservative Jordan, 59, quickly threw his hat into the ring to replace McCarthy – and said he had a broad coalition backing him.
“We have people from the chairman of the Freedom Caucus to people in the middle, and people who might be called more moderate,” Jordan said, declining to reveal how many of his colleagues’ votes he got.
Jordan is locked in a fight for the post with McCarthy’s deputy, House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise.
Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the House of Rep. Jim Jordan told The Post on Saturday that only he can unite the divided House Republican conference. AP
The third candidate, Rep. Kevin Hern, the influential boss of the House Republican Study Committee, is also looking for a gavel.
Jordan was respectful when asked to explain why his colleagues should support him.
“Steve Scalise is a friend and a great American and American hero. I have nothing but respect for Steve,” he said.
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) assisted House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise won. Reuters
But, he continued, “I’m the right man for the job.”
Jordan’s candidacy got a boost from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed him after running for office.
Jordan has also received support from powerful house lawmakers including House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, (R-Tenn) and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, (R-Ohio). Gaetz is also behind him.
Follow today’s most important news
Stay up to date with the Evening Update.
On Friday Rep. Virginia Foxx,(R-NC), chairwoman of the House Education Committee, also said she would support Jordan.
Jordan also received dubious support from Rep. George Santos (R-Long Island) who challenged the truth.
Scalise is not without his own influential friends and has won the support of House GOP Conference Chairman Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
Jordan said he would be interested in seeing the current motion to vacate rule, which allows a member to force a vote of no confidence in the speaker — to be changed.
“The [Republican] conference is powerful to change it. I support the conference,” said Jordan. It’s unclear whether GOP hardliners feel the same way. Jordan said he would be willing to serve under the current rules as well “If that’s the case.”
On Monday Scalise, Jordan and Hern will sit down for a joint interview on Fox News.
On Tuesday House Republicans will meet for a closed forum where leadership candidates will be able to make their cases.
The official speaker vote is expected on Wednesday.
Jordan, 59, quickly threw his hat in the ring to replace McCarthy — and said he has a large coalition backing him.AP
McCarthy was ousted after working with Democrats to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government, avoiding a shutdown in the 11th hour.
Gaetz and other hardliners have pushed for deeper spending cuts. Jordan voted against the final compromise.
“[McCarthy] left in a difficult situation,” said Jordan on the issue. “I think it’s unfortunate. I don’t agree with it. I think are we really doing what we’ve told the voters what we’re going to do.”
Jordan’s candidacy got a boost from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed him after running for office. Reuters
The funding deal that proved McCarthy’s cancellation was only a stopgap measure to keep the government running until November 17 and one of the first early tests of the new speaker will be navigating the same perilous straits.
Jordan was cautious about whether he would be willing to work with Democrats — as McCarthy did.
“I want to avoid that situation as we go forward,” he said.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
