No deal to elect president, US House of Representatives postpones session

The United States House of Representatives failed to reach an agreement to elect a new President of the House this Tuesday (3), after historic and tense three rounds of voting. The session was then adjourned until Wednesday (4).

Republican Representative Kevin McCarthy faced resistance within his own party, which has a majority in the House, with those considered “hardliners” voting for Jim Jordan.

For the first time in 100 years, the position was not defined in the first round.

Republican Representative Bob Godd told the CNN that Jordan’s not wanting the job is “exactly” why he was being picked by the Conservatives.

McCarthy told reporters he would remain the candidate “until he wins”, noting that the “numbers will change eventually”. Questioned by CNN, he stressed that he “knows the way”.

Here’s how the score from the third poll turned out:

• Jeffries (Democrat): 212 votes
• McCarthy (Republican): 202 votes
• Jordan (Republican): 20 votes

“Stupid”

A GOP lawmaker who is supporting Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy says members are listening to Republican donors and constituents who think the party “looks stupid” for not being able to elect a speaker.

Another Republican backing McCarthy predicted there would be pressure after three or four rounds of voting to delay or start thinking about another strategy.

As the vote dragged on, a third Republican and McCarthy supporter described frustration with opposition within the party.

“They are embarrassing the whole team,” he said.

While many Republicans predicted that multiple ballots would happen, many are still in disbelief and angry at how the drama is overshadowing their new majority.

*published by Tiago Tortella, from CNN

*with information from Lourival Sant’Anna, Kevin Liptak and Manu Raju, from CNN