News Desk
ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: Republican Congressman Kevin McCarthy was finally elected as the speaker of the US House of Representatives after the 15th round of votes after making major concessions to a group of right-wing hardliners that raised questions about the party’s ability to lead.
McCarthy suffered humiliation
McCarthy, the 57-year-old Californian member of the house, suffered a final humiliation when fellow Representative Matt Gaetz withheld his vote on the 14th ballot, leading to a scuffle in which fellow Republican Mike Rogers had to be physically pulled away.
Earlier, McCarthy failed to garner enough votes and support from fellow members and the right-wing hardliners who had opposed his bid to become the speaker of the US House of Representatives.
McCarthy’s victory on the 15th ballot brought an end to the deepest US congressional dysfunction in 160 years. McCarthy won at last on a narrow margin of 216-211. He was elected with the votes of fewer than half the House members only because five in his own party members withheld their votes – not backing McCarthy as leader of house but also not voting for another contender.
Republicans’ weaker than expected performance in November’s midterm polls left them with a narrow 222-212 majority, which has given power to the right-wing hardliners who have opposed McCarthy.
The right-wing hardliners accuse McCarthy of being too open to compromise with President Biden and Democrats, who also control the US Senate. Some hardliners say they want a leader who will be ready to compel government shutdowns to cut spending.
