Three possible outcomes for the Republican House Speaker chaos

The Republican House Speaker chaos continues as Steve Scalise withdraws from the race, leaving a vacuum at the top of the US government. With no clear successor, there are three possible ways this situation could end on Capitol Hill.

1. Another Republican gets 217 votes:
After Steve Scalise’s withdrawal, some lawmakers suggest that Jim Jordan, who earned 99 votes in the previous secret ballot, could become the new nominee. However, it is unclear whether Jordan can gain enough votes to secure the position. Other names are also likely to be considered. The uncertainty and lack of direction leave some Representatives at a loss, hoping for a resolution.

2. A temporary speaker:
An alternative proposal would be to grant additional powers to the House’s acting Speaker, Patrick McHenry, for a temporary period. This would allow the House to function and avoid a government shutdown, buying time to find a longer-term solution. However, some lawmakers are opposed to a short-term fix, believing it would not be effective during ongoing negotiations and critical issues.

3. Democrats to the rescue:
Another option is for Republicans to reach a consensus with Democrats on a Republican candidate. However, this would require making concessions to the minority party, such as eliminating a new rule introduced in January that gives any member the power to overthrow the Speaker. Democrats express willingness to find bipartisan common ground, but it necessitates Republican cooperation. Some Democrats have even suggested that five Republicans could switch sides and vote for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker, although this seems unlikely.

The vacancy in one of the most important roles in US government comes at a critical time. Without a Speaker, the House is unable to pass bills or approve emergency aid requests, including support for Israel’s fight against Hamas. It also hinders the passage of spending bills, potentially leading to a government shutdown. The House members suggest that a solution is unlikely until early next week, leaving the future uncertain.