On Friday, after Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) failed to win the speakership after 25 Republican members voted against him on the third ballot, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) made a bold move that could ensure the speakership for Jordan.
Along with the seven other Republicans who voted to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) two weeks ago, Gaetz signed a letter accepting any punishment necessary to ensure that Jim Jordan is elected. Many moderate House Republicans have voiced concern that Jordan would not punish Gaetz and the other lawmakers for their actions against McCarthy. Thus, this move by the eight could prove instrumental in seeing several 'no' votes turning into 'yes' votes.
"All 8 Republicans Who Voted to Remove McCarthy From Speakership Are Willing to Accept "Censure, Suspension, or Removal From the Conference" In Order to Elect [Jim Jordan] as Speaker," Gaetz explained in a post to X/Twitter.
The letter is signed by Reps. Matt Gaetz, Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Ken Buck (R-CO), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Bob Good (R-VA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Matt Rosendale (R-MT).
"It has been suggested the Conference cannot move forward until there are consequences for each of us. While we violated no rule of either the House or Republican Conference, we understand some in the Conference wish to punish us," the eight wrote.
"If the holdouts who refuse to vote for Speaker-Designate Jim Jordan would be willing to 'vote with the team' and elect him the 56th House Speaker, we are prepared to accept censure, suspension, or removal from the Conference to accomplish this objective," the letter explains.
"What unites us as Republicans is more important than our disagreements," the letter concluded. "We must now come together to elect Jim Jordan. We offer this sincerely and with the hope of unity with purpose. Our fidelity to Republican virtues and principles remain unwavering."
Gaetz also spoke with a number of reporters outside of Capitol Hill, where he explained, "We are willing to accept censure, sanction, suspension, and removal in order to see Jordan as Speaker. If what these holdouts need are a pound of our flesh, we're willing to give it to them to see Jordan as Speaker."
As House Republicans remain divided on whether or not Jim Jordan should be their speaker, ballots are expected to be taken going into the weekend as Congress remains frozen and unable to take up legislation without a speaker of the House as the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place.
You can follow Sterling on X/Twitter here.
- Article Source:
DC Enquirer
- Photo: Drew Angerer / Getty Images
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2023-10-20T17:32-0400 | Comment by: John
We the People want Jim Jordan and no one else including special interest should have any say in this matter. I've called my reps and urged them to vote for Jim Jordan but they won't return my calls so I have reached a breaking point with this BS and I will primary every republican that stand divided in my jurisdiction. Hakeem Jeffries is openly stating that Jim Jordan is a clear and present danger and a threat to the American public (LIAR!) We're not your captive Jeffries we think Jordan is best for the job. You have no clue as to what is a threat or clear and present danger to Americans. If anything, you are the clear and present danger as you have been making money by skimming off funds that are intended for Ukraine you corrupt POS! 74 million to be exact.