House GOP Leadership Scramble
On Thursday, Speaker heir apparent, Kevin McCarthy, announced that he would remove himself from consideration and remain as House Majority Leader. Crying in the Cloakroom turned to chaos and speculation, and the week finishes up with a concerted effort to draft Wisconsin Representative (Ways and Means Chairman and former Vice Presidential Candidate) Paul Ryan.
When asked who could unite the GOP Caucus, Rep. Trey Gowdy (whose name has also been floated) named Paul Ryan: “Either him or the fellow who just spoke to us,” he said, “but he went back to Italy.” (referring to Pope Francis, who recently addressed a joint meeting of Congress.)
Utah representative Jason Chaffetz and Florida representative Daniel Webster are the only members who have announced they are seeking the position. Webster received the endorsement of House conservatives before McCarthy announced his withdrawal and garnered twelve votes in the Speaker's election in January 2015. Chaffetz has said he would support Paul Ryan if Ryan enters the race.
WHO SHOULD BE THE NEXT SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE?
In Case You Missed It
A lot happened this week that had nothing to do with the race for House Speaker — here's a taste:
- The Supreme Court started a new term.
- The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement was announced (with a long road to a vote in Congress) TELL CONGRESS WHAT YOU THINK
- Congress passed the Defense spending bill. (The White House has threatened to veto.)
- The House passed the bill to lift the ban on oil exports by a vote of 261-159. TELL CONGRESS WHAT YOU THINK
- A discharge petition reached 218 signatures to bring Export-Import Bank reauthorization to the House Floor. (Even if it passes the House, prospects are bleak in the Senate.) TELL CONGRESS WHAT YOU THINK
POPVOX This Week
Top Search on POPVOX: "firearms"
Most Active Bill on POPVOX:
The Mental Health Reform Act of 2015
from Senator Bill Cassidy [R, LA]
"A bill to make available needed psychiatric, psychological, and supportive services for individuals with mental illness and families in mental health crisis, and for other purposes.
#ViewFromTheHill
OCTOBER 5, 2015
First Street NE — Visitors gather outside Supreme Court as new term begins today, October 5, 2015. (Photo/Whitney Wyszynski)
SEE MORE
Weekend Reads
Could the modern Senate manage an open-amendment process? – R Street
Technically Speaking: Making Sense of Discharge Petitions, Cloture and Filibusters – For Effective Gov
How much does the United States Congress spend on technology and digital media? – Congressional Data Coalition
Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill does not imply POPVOX endorsement in any way. As always, our goal is to offer one more way to help you stay informed about the complex U.S. legislative system.
