House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) told The Post on Saturday that only he can unite the divided House Republican conference as they prepare to vote for a new speaker. next week.
“I feel the momentum,” he said in the wake of the chaos that unfolded when Republicans led by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz ousted California Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker after just nine months in office.
Conservative firebrand Jordan, 59, quickly jumped into the ring to replace McCarthy, saying he has a broad coalition behind him.
“We have people from the chair of the Freedom Caucus to people in the middle, and people who could be called more moderate,” Jordan said, declining to reveal how many votes of his colleagues he has received.
Jordan is locked in a fight for the seat with McCarthy’s deputy, House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan told The Post on Saturday that only he can unite the divided House Republican conference. AP
A third candidate, Rep. Kevin Hern, the influential head of the House Republican Study Committee, is also seeking the gavel.
Jordan was deferential when asked to explain why his colleagues should back him.
“Steve Scalise is a friend, a great American and an American hero. I have nothing but respect for Steve,” he said.
House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) helped House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise win. REUTERS
But he continued: “I’m the right person for the job.”
Jordan’s candidacy received a boost from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed him after himself declining a run for the position.
Jordan also received endorsements from a group of powerful House lawmakers, including House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio ). Gaetz is also behind him.
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On Friday, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), chairwoman of the House Education Committee, also said she would endorse Jordan.
Jordan also gained the dubious support of Rep. George Santos (R-Long Island), questioned by the truth.
Scalise is not without influential friends and has earned the endorsement of the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
Jordan said he would be interested in seeing the current impeachment motion rule, which allows a single member to force a no-confidence vote against the president, changed.
“He [Republican] The conference is strongly in favor of changing that. I support the conference,” Jordan said. It’s unclear whether GOP hardliners feel the same way. Jordan said he would also be prepared to serve under the current rules “if it comes to that.”
On Monday, Scalise, Jordan and Hern will have a joint interview on Fox News.
On Tuesday, House Republicans will meet in a closed forum during which leadership candidates can make their arguments.
A formal vote on speakers is expected on Wednesday.
Jordan, 59, quickly threw his hat in the ring to replace McCarthy and said he has a broad coalition behind him.
McCarthy was ousted after working with Democrats to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government, avoiding a last-minute shutdown.
Gaetz and other hardliners had insisted on deeper spending cuts. Jordan voted against the final compromise.
“[McCarthy] “I was left in a difficult situation,” Jordan said on the subject. “I think it’s unfortunate. I didn’t agree with that. “I thought we were really doing what we told the voters and what we were going to do.”
Jordan’s candidacy received a boost from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed him after himself declining a run for the seat. REUTERS
The funding deal that spelled McCarthy’s downfall was only a stopgap measure to keep the government running until November 17, and one of the new president’s first tests will be navigating the same treacherous situations.
Jordan was cautious about whether he would be willing to work with Democrats, as McCarthy did.
“I want to avoid that situation as we move forward,” he said.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn