The United States House of Representatives is experiencing a historic moment, since the Republicans do not agree to choose the president of this important legislative body.
kevin mccarthythe leader of the Republicans in the House, continues to fail to win the support he needs during several ballots to be elected president due to opposition from his own party.
This vote is usually a procedure agreed by the party with the majority. It had not been approved in a first vote for 100 years, so the current situation of chaos is seen as a reflection of the lack of leadership among Republicans.
- Who are the “rebel” Republicans who are highlighting the deep division of their party in the US Congress?
The speaker of the House of Representatives has an immensely powerful role, with almost total control over the functions of this legislative body, which as of now has a majority from the Republican Party.
BBC Mundo tells you what you need to know about one of the most important positions in US politics, the third most important after the president Joe Biden and the vice president Kamala Harris.
What does the Speaker of the House of Representatives do?
The US Constitution establishes that the speaker of the House of Representatives is in charge of overseeing the lower house of Congress. He traditionally is an active member of the majority party, although this is not a constitutional requirement.
Therefore, in addition to heading the House of Representatives, he is also the leader of the majority party in the chamber.
In practice, he sets the legislative agenda for the House of Representatives, controls committee assignments, sets the voting and work schedule, and is responsible for holding his party members together on major initiatives.
Why is the Speaker of the House of Representatives so important?
Effectively exercised, this position is one of the most powerful in Washington.
Depending on the partisan makeup of Congress, he can make or break the agenda of a US president, stymie the opposition, and spearhead his party’s most important legislative initiatives.
A cunning and effective president will be able to rally congressmen around his party’s agenda and control rogue legislators by doling out incentives or punishments.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Democrat Nancy Pelosiwas considered one of the most effective modern presidents.
Although the Democratic caucus he oversaw was multi-factional, including progressives, moderates and more conservative-leaning representatives, he was able to use the tools available to the Speaker of the House and maintain a united front when it came to winning a majority on important votes.
How is the Speaker of the House of Representatives elected?
The House of Representatives operates on a two-year cycle, known as a “session.” The new Congress began on January 3, 2023, and the Republicans are in the majority.
The first thing a new session of the House of Representatives must do is vote for its president. Without that person in place, the camera cannot proceed to any other function, including the swearing in of members.
This legislative body must continue to hold votes until the position is elected.
The vote for president requires that a candidate receive the support of a majority of the House of Representatives: 218 votes. It is generally assumed that the existing leader of the majority party is the person who will assume the presidency.
For more than a century, the Speaker of the House was decided on the first ballot. However, this has not been the case this week.
Why is the 2023 presidential election so unusual?
This year, McCarthy is seeking to become Speaker of the House now that the Republican Party has a majority. But things have not gone according to plan.
During several rounds of voting, McCarthy failed to get 218 votes, despite the fact that his party currently has 222 seats. A group of rogue Republicans have formed a wall of opposition, refusing to vote for McCarthy in several rounds of voting.
His detractors within the party say he is not conservative enough.
The Democrats, as usual, do not support the rival party either.
The deadlock has left the House of Representatives unable to decide any other issues, including the swearing in of members.
Voting will continue until there is a president, but it is unclear whether McCarthy will win support, for which he is making concessions. He will have to win or step aside for another candidate to run. Otherwise, the Camera will not be able to work.
Does the House of Representatives have a minority leader?
The head of the minority party is known simply as the “minority leader.”
He has no control over the functions of the House as the president. He wields power within his caucus to keep lawmakers united in opposition to the majority or to promote bipartisan efforts.
In the current House, the Democrats are in the minority. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York was selected as the Democratic Minority Leader.
Remember that you can receive notifications from BBC Mundo. Download the new version of our app and activate them so you don’t miss out on our best content.
- Do you already know our YouTube channel? Subscribe!