USA, Jordan Loses First Vote In House Of Representatives

Jim Jordan, not just yet. The Republican candidate lost the first vote for speaker of the US House of Representatives: opposition from members of his own party was stronger than expected, and 20 Republicans refused to vote for the Ohio representative, the manifestation of the Trumpian right.

The lower house of Congress had been missing a speaker since Kevin McCarthy was ousted two weeks ago in an “insurrection,” the term used by the most radical part of the Republican Party.

Instead, the Democratic Party unanimously voted for Hakeem Jeffries, who received 212 votes compared to Jordan’s 200. 217 votes are needed to become Speaker, so Jordan can only afford to lose 4 preferences among the 221 Republicans in the lower house.

Without a speaker, the House of Representatives will not be able to pass bills or emergency requests. However, Jordan feels calm: “We are making progress. I feel good,” he explained. A second attempt is scheduled for today.