Chaos on Capitol Hill

The U.S. Republican party remains at war over who to elect as the next speaker of the House of Representatives. Failing to secure enough votes marks the longest House speaker ballot since 1855


Kevin McCarthy: Republican leader has acceded to several demands from band of ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus in his bid for speaker of House

House Freedom Caucus: 20 rebels include (left to right) Scott Perry of Pennsylvania; Lauren Boebert of Colorado; Matt Gaetz of Florida and Bob Good of Virginia

Speaker needs 218 votes in 435-seat House

Democrats 213 Republicans 222


McCarthy concessions

Motion to vacate the chair: Will allow single member of House to propose ousting speaker at any time. Current rules require half of Republican lawmakers to call for such a vote

House Freedom Caucus: Has agreed to allow hardliners to pick two of nine members of the House Rules Committee that has jurisdiction over legislation

Other concessions: Give lawmakers 72 hours to read bills before they come up for vote

Constitution: Federal limit on number of terms member can serve in House and Senate


Sources: ABC Inc., Associated Press, Reuters, UPI
Pictures: Getty Images 
© GRAPHIC NEWS