Why it matters: The Nov. 17 deadline to head off a government shutdown is fast approaching and many lawmakers want to pass emergency spending to support Israel against Hamas and other key legislation.
- “This chaos has consequences,” said Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.). “Ten days without a speaker means ten days we are not working on the farm bill … border security and comprehensive immigration reform.”
What they’re saying: No House votes are expected until Monday night at the earliest, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) said in a notice to lawmakers on Friday afternoon.
Driving the news: Republicans voted to nominate House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) for speaker, defeating Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) 124-81.
- In addition to his surprising squeaker against a low-profile member, Jordan’s mandate was made even murkier when a subsequent vote showed 55 Republicans won’t support him on the floor.
Between the lines: “He needs to earn it,” said one House Republican. “Two days is sufficient time but 50 votes is a lot.”
The other side: Centrist Democrats are reiterating they’re ready to make a bipartisan deal to elect a speaker when Republicans come around.