House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in a major reversal has decided to support restoring a rule that allows a motion from the floor of the House of Representatives to “vacate the chair” and force a vote on a new Speaker of the House.
McCarthy’s change of position comes as the first vote of the newly convening 118th Congress is expected to begin in less than 48 hours on Jan. 3 at noon. McCarthy is the clear choice to succeed the outgoing Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) of a majority of 222 Republicans who will hold the majority in the House.
But to be elected Speaker, McCarthy must win the votes of a majority of all members present on the floor for the vote. That means if all 222 Republicans and 212 Democrats are present, McCarthy can only afford to lose four GOP votes in order to secure the 218 needed to be elected Speaker….