Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) expressed concern about the upcoming speaker vote in the House, foreseeing poor results for candidate Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).
What Happened: Gingrich voiced his apprehension on Sean Hannity‘s Fox News show, stating, “My sense from talking to people in the House tonight in the next vote, [Jordan] might actually get fewer – not more – votes.”
"If that happens, we can't sit around and suck our thumbs and hope the world will wait until the House Republicans get their act together."
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During the previous round, 20 Republicans voted against Jordan’s bid for Speaker. This number was higher than anticipated and the next round of voting was deferred to Wednesday.
Gingrich stated that he would accept even 15 rounds of voting to elect Jordan, similar to the case with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), but admitted he had “no faith” that any dissenters would change their stance.
With the government still at a standstill, Gingrich suggested giving Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) more powers amidst the impending government shutdown and the aid package intended for Israel’s war against Hamas. "The world is moving," he said.
"Every day we're closer to the end of the continuing resolution. Every day we're close to a huge aid package for Israel that has to be passed. Every day we are failing to do the investigations we need to be doing" Gingrich said
Why It Matters: The criticism comes amidst the ongoing unrest within the House GOP, which has been struggling to reach a consensus on its leadership since the historic removal of McCarthy from the Speaker’s role two weeks ago.
Despite the GOP conference’s nomination of Jordan for the Speaker’s role last week, it remains uncertain whether he will secure enough support on the House floor to claim the position.
The speakership vote, scheduled for Wednesday, is unlikely to yield a favorable outcome for Jordan, said Gingrich.
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