Recap: House adjourns as speaker vote stretches past 11th ballot ...

WASHINGTON –The House of Representatives made dubious history Thursday, failing on the 11th ballot to elect a speaker as an acrimonious stalemate that has paralyzed the chamber dragged on. That's the most ballots cast in this normally pro forma election since before the Civil War.

The House adjourned Thursday night until noon Friday, hoping to buy more time for negotiations as GOP lawmakers expressed muted optimism that a deal was getting closer with a rebellious Republican faction to install GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy in return for significant concessions.

"It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish," a relaxed McCarthy told reporters after the adjournment. "If we finish well, we'll be very successful."

McCarthy has now failed in 11 ballots since Tuesday, as a solid core of some 20 Republicans say they will continue to oppose him because he is too much a part of the establishment. A 12th ballot could take place as early as noon Friday.

"We’re at a Reagan moment — “trust but verify," tweeted Pennsylvania Republican Scott Perry, one of the 20. "The devil is in the details, and we’ll take our time to ensure it’s right, not easy. One way or another, the status quo must go."

In the meantime, the House remains without a speaker, leaving members-elect unable to do much beyond voting on McCarthy's fate and answering phones from constituents they can't help yet. They can't form committees, conduct hearings or demand federal agencies answer their requests for assistance.

GOP opponents have sunk his attempts to get enough votes to win the job. The efforts to forge a compromise could weaken the job — if he gets it — and show that governing the Republican-led House is going to be challenging this year, with infighting consuming what's been a simple one-ballot vote for the past hundred years.

Day 3 takeaways:Speaker stalemate drags on as 'never Kevin' Republicans say they can't trust Kevin McCarthy

McCarthy has failed to meet the threshold needed to become speaker for a series of ballots since Tuesday.

Smart analysis delivered to your inbox:Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter

Here are the latest developments:

Back again: The House convened after a night and morning of talks among McCarthy, his allies and his enemies, including the prospect of concessions from McCarthy that would give Republican rebels more power in the new Congress.

A McCarthy comeback? McCarthy has been nominated a total of 10 times (three each on Tuesday and Wednesday and four times on Thursday - so far). The Republican was the frontrunner for the speakership, but a bloc of Republicans have refused to back the California representative.

What will happen on day three? Members will continue to vote. The vote will last until a speaker is selected. The House remains paralyzed with members-elect not sworn in, lacking security clearances and the lower chamber remains unable to conduct any legislative business.

Day one:House adjourns without a new speaker as McCarthy loses three rounds of voting

Day two:'Groundhog Day': House adjourns without a speaker as McCarthy loses round six

House divided over speaker's job votes to adjourn - barely

For the second night in a row, an angry and closely divided House voted to adjourn by only a very few votes, as Republicans sought more time to reach a deal on the speaker's job.

As lawmakers shouted at each other, Republicans won a mostly party-line vote over Democrats by a margin of 219-213.

On Wednesday night, Democratic objections to adjournment forced a vote that passed by only 216-214.

– David Jackson

Yet again, votes for speaker split among several nominees

GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has once again failed to obtain the number of votes needed to win the speakership in the fifth ballot of the day and eleventh ballot since Tuesday.

McCarthy again received 200 votes (same as the last ballot), falling 18 votes behind the number needed for the speakership. Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds received 12 votes, one fewer than the last ballot; Oklahoma GOP Rep. Kevin Hern again received seven votes and former president Donald Trump received one vote from Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. One member voted present.

All 212 Democrats backed Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries once again but that's enough for him to win.

- Rachel Looker

McCarthy loses fifth ballot of day

GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy appears to have failed once again to obtain the number of votes needed to win the speakership in the fifth ballot of the day. This is the 11th ballot held since Tuesday and the fifth on Thursday alone.

Amid reports that negotiations on a resolution are heating up, it's unclear whether the House will proceed to a 12th ballot or adjourn until Friday.

- Rachel Looker

Eleventh ballot for speaker gets underway

The House headed into an 11th ballot for speaker – the fifth ballot today – with no end in sight.

Arkansas Republican Rep. French Hill nominated McCarthy again for the 11th ballot and also expressed gratitude towards the Clerk of the House, Cheryl Johnson for facilitating the votes, getting a standing ovation from all members on the floor.

On the Democratic side, Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse, unsurprisingly, nominated Jeffries again. Neguse praised Jeffries as “the man who has been the lead vote getter ten times and counting to be the speaker of the House.”

Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, formally nominated former President Donald Trump for the first time after voting for him earlier today on the seventh ballot, saying Trump could “make the House of Representatives great again.”

And Virginia GOP Rep. Bob Good nominated Oklahoma GOP Rep. Kevin Hern again as a candidate “against the status quo.”

- Ken Tran

Same as before: Historic tenth vote changes little for McCarthy

The historic tenth ballot for House speaker – the first such vote since just before the Civil War – produced results similar to the first nine.

McCarthy carried 200 votes, 18 short of the majority he needs to win the speaker's race.

Byron Donalds received 13 votes and Kevin Hern took seven, a decrease for Donalds and an increase for Hern over previous ballots. Republican Victoria Spartz again voted "present."

As with the previous nine ballots, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries took all 212 votes from his party.

As members voted, leaders met in private to negotiate some way out of this.

However it works, there will have to be an 11th vote, at least.

– David Jackson

How the process works:What happens after McCarthy loses multiple speaker votes? We explain

McCarthy appears to lose again, this time in the double digits

In the House’s tenth ballot for speaker, McCarthy has appeared to lose again, for the tenth time.

Despite multiple concessions today made to his opponents, there has still been next to no movement in the vote counts. The Republican holdouts remain adamant in their opposition to the California Republican.

Today marks the most times the House has voted on a speaker this week at four ballots. Next up, possibly an eleventh ballot or a motion to adjourn.

-- Ken Tran

Who is the House GOP leader?:Kevin McCarthy was once rejected for a House internship. Now he could become the next speaker

Who is Kevin Hern?

The latest Kevin McCarthy dissident to be nominated for House speaker is a former Oklahoma businessman who was first elected in 2018 and has built a reputation as a reliable Republican conservative.

Rep. Kevin Hern, who was put into nomination by Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., owned some two dozen McDonald's franchises before entering politics. He won a 2018 special election to replace Rep. Jim Bridenstine, who had resigned to become NASA administrator.

The new chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Hern said this week that "strong conservative leadership has never been more important than today."

– David Jackson

How the process works:What happens after McCarthy loses multiple speaker votes? We explain

When did the House take multiple ballots to elect a speaker?

Boebert nominates Hern as House votes a 10th time

Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert again nominated Rep. Kevin Hern for speaker, his third nomination of the day.

The House has voted four times Thursday, as the GOP continues to negotiate behind the scenes as to who will hold the speaker’s gavel in the Republican-held House.

--Candy Woodall

McCarthy standoff:A visual guide to a House speaker deadlock not seen for a century

Luna nominates Donalds in 10th round of voting

Rep.-elect Anna Paulina Luna of Florida nominated Rep. Byron Donalds in the 10th round of voting, telling Democrats they will never hold the gavel in a House with a Republican majority.

In short remarks, she also said 10 votes for speaker did not indicate dysfunction.

--Candy Woodall

Who is Byron Donalds?:Meet Republicans' alternative to Kevin McCarthy in House speaker vote

Aguilar nominates Jeffries for the tenth ballot

Aguilar returned to the podium to nominate Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for the tenth ballot for speaker but not before commending Rep.-elect Juan Ciscomani’s nomination speech and earning a standing ovation from all members on the House floor.

“It is our hope that this chamber gets down to the business so he (Ciscomani) and all the new members in this chamber can be sworn in to do the work of the people,” said Aguilar to applause from Democrats and Republicans alike.

“That’s why House Democrats stand united again on this ballot to make sure that Hakeem Jeffries is the lead vote getter in this chamber,” Aguilar said.

-- Ken Tran

Who is Jeffries?:What to know about the Brooklyn Rep. set to replace Pelosi

Ciscomani nominates McCarthy in 10th nomination

Rep.-elect Juan Ciscomani of Arizona nominated Rep. Kevin McCarthy in his 10th attempt to win the speakership.

The nomination launched the fourth vote Thursday after no candidate in either party received enough votes to become House speaker.

The 10th ballot marked the most rounds needed to elect a speaker since just before the Civil War.

-- Candy Woodall

How the process works:What happens after McCarthy loses multiple speaker votes? We explain

The ninth vote: McCarthy loses a vote, now at 200

The third vote Thursday – ninth overall – saw a very slight loss for Kevin McCarthy, who fell from 201 votes to 200 because of an absent member.

McCarthy's Republican opponents again split up their votes: 17 for Byron Donalds and three for Kevin Hern. Republican Victoria Spartz once again voted "present."

No votes for Donald Trump this time around.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries again claimed 212 votes from his party.

On to a 10th ballot, the most since just before the civil war.

– David Jackson

Who is the House GOP leader?:Kevin McCarthy was once rejected for a House internship. Now he could become the next speaker

House breaks 100-year-old record in ninth vote

Rep. Kevin McCarthy appeared to lose a ninth time in his bid for speaker, with the House breaking a 100-year-old record set in 1923 when it took nine rounds of voting to pick a winner.

McCarthy’s run for speaker appears to have been blocked nine times by 20 conservative members who say he’s not conservative enough and they don’t trust him.

The House GOP leader and his 200 allies continued to talk with his detractors throughout the rounds of voting today.

McCarthy’s run marks the third time since 1856 that a speaker wasn’t elected on the first ballot.

It took late Reps. Frederick Gillett, R-Mass., nine rounds to win in 1923 and Nathaniel Banks 133 rounds to win in 1856.

--Candy Woodall

What can the House do without a speaker?:Occupy offices, field calls, talk. Not much else.

Boebert makes a surprise fourth nomination: Kevin Hern

GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert made a surprise fourth nomination right after the clerk prepared to start roll call on the ninth ballot, nominating Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern.

“We have been accused of not having a plan while we have presented many many plans and even presenting two plans simultaneously right now,” said Boebert. “I’m voting for Kevin Hern, the gentleman from Oklahoma.”

On the eighth ballot for speaker, Boebert, along with Oklahoma Rep.-elect Josh Brechen voted for Hern.

-- Ken Tran

Republican House control:Despite a poor midterm, the GOP cobbled enough wins to flip the House. How did they do it?

McCarthy dissidents nominate Donalds again

Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., became the latest GOP member to nominate Florida Rep. Byron Donalds for the speaker’s gavel. The Florida lawmaker emerged as an alternative speaker candidate during Wednesday’s votes.

Rosendale told his colleagues that it was a “privilege” to serve with them despite their differences in opinions, before touting the debate the chamber has had over electing a speaker as healthy.

“We have had more discussion and debate over the last three days than I have participated in on this floor for the last two years. And it’s healthy,” Rosendale said. “It absolutely promotes the collegiality that everyone is trying to obtain.”

-- Sarah Elbeshbishi

How the process works:What happens after McCarthy loses multiple speaker votes? We explain

Jeffries nominated again for the ninth time

Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif, nominated Jeffries for the ninth time on behalf of House Democrats.

“Democrats stand united and ready to get to work on behalf of the American people under the leadership of Hakeem Jeffries,” said Lieu. "Vote after vote, nomination after nomination, Democrats are united."

House Democrats have unanimously backed Jeffries for the speakership for the past eight ballots with Jeffries earning 212 votes in all of them.

-- Ken Tran

Nehls gives McCarthy ninth nomination

Rep. Troy Nehls nominated Rep. Kevin McCarthy for a ninth time in the GOP leader’s bid to be speaker.

McCarthy has been blocked eight times by 20 conservative members who make up about 10% of the caucus.

If McCarthy loses on the ninth ballot, he will tie a 100-year-old record currently owned by late Rep. Frederick Gillett, R-Mass., who won his speaker bid in 1923 after nine rounds of voting.

-- Candy Woodall

Stuck in a moment: McCarthy does not pick up votes on the 8th ballot

The eighth ballot went no better for McCarthy, as the official House tally shows him still stuck on 201 votes.

Today's votes are taking on a pro forma quality, taking up time as Republicans negotiate in private.

This round did see a few changes among McCarthy's opponents.

While 17 dissidents again voted for Bryon Donalds,: Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma received two votes, and Donald Trump got one. Republican Victoria Spartz again voted "present."

Per usual, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries took all 212 votes from his party.

On to a 9th ballot, the first such vote in a century.

– David Jackson

More:Kevin McCarthy was once rejected for a House internship. Now he could become the next speaker

McCarthy close to breaking record

Rep. Kevin McCarthy is close to tying a 100-year record he doesn’t want to own.

After eight consecutive losses in his bid for House speaker, McCarthy could match the nine voting rounds it took Frederick Gillett, R-Mass., to win the position in 1923.

Anything beyond and he’d eclipse that historic record.

The most votes it took to elect a speaker was in 1856 when Republican Rep. Nathaniel Banks won after 133 rounds of voting.

McCarthy’s bid marks the third time in history a speaker wasn’t elected on the first ballot.

-- Candy Woodall

Explained:What happens after McCarthy loses multiple speaker votes? Here's how the process works.

McCarthy appears to lose speakership again, for the eighth time

For the eighth time, McCarthy appears to have lost his bid for the speakership.

After the seventh ballot, the House immediately moved to an eighth ballot, but there has been very little movement so far among McCarthy’s detractors.

It is unclear if the House will move to a ninth vote or adjourn.

- Ken Tran

Boebert votes for another Kevin as House speaker

No not that Kevin.

Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, who staunchly opposes Kevin McCarthy as speaker, voted instead for Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, who wasn’t officially nominated for the speaker bid.

It was the first vote for Hern and the first time in two days Boebert switched her vote from Rep. Byron Donalds.

--Candy Woodall

Biggs, former speaker candidate, nominates Donalds

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., a McCarthy opponent who was a candidate for speaker at the start of the week, gave the latest nominating speech for Byron Donalds – but spent most of it attacking President Joe Biden and the Democrats.

Biggs criticized Democrats for mocking the Republicans' failures to elect a speaker, though some GOP members have also showed disdain for how things are going.

The Arizona Republican said he and allies want a change.

"We're on a sub-optimal path,' Biggs said. "It has to change."

– David Jackson

Democrats nominate Jeffries for the eighth ballot

Democrats changed things around for the eighth ballot with Democratic minority whip Rep. Katherine Clark nominating Jeffries to the speakership for the eighth time. California Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar had handled the previous seven nominating speeches.

Clark opened her nominating speech by saying “212” seven times, referring to Jeffries’ vote count in the past seven ballots where he earned unanimous support from House Democrats.

“Two hundred twelve House Democrats stand united behind our leader because Hakeem Jeffries stands united for the American people,” said Clark, pointing out how the House has yet to conduct business without a speaker. “The historic dysfunction we are seeing, this intra-party fight the American people have been drawn into is imperiling our national security.”

- Ken Tran

Gallagher: Biggest roadblock for McCarthy ‘basic trust’

GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin told reporters outside the House floor Thursday that McCarthy has made a “persuasive case” with the concessions he has agreed upon.

“The biggest roadblock, I don't know I mean (it) seems to be just basic trust,” he said.

“This is sort of weird,” he continued. “We started off with two people (running for speaker), now we have like 13.”

- Rachel Looker

Ballot 8 begins: McCarthy is nominated again

The House quickly moved to an eighth speaker vote, though there is no end in sight.

Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., nominated McCarthy by calling for party unity, and noted that Congress cannot do basic functions as long as this deadlock remains, such as declare war in case of attack. Mast, a veteran, choked up when discussing the sacrifices that so many Americans have made over the years.

McCarthy "will give us an opportunity to right the course," Mast told fellow Republicans, but there's still no evidence he has the votes to prevail.

– David Jackson

'More difficult to trust’: GOP members lack faith in McCarthy

As the House wrapped up its seventh failed ballot to elect a speaker, Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry, a key voice against electing House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy as speaker, went to Twitter to reaffirm his unyielding position.

“A deal is NOT done,” Perry wrote. “When confidences are betrayed and leaks are directed, it’s even more difficult to trust. Totally unsat. I will not yield to the status quo.”

Perry also reiterated his lack of trust in McCarthy, referring to the leaked list of concessions from McCarthy to the House Freedom Caucus.

- Sarah Elbeshbishi

Official tally: McCarthy stuck on 201 votes – and Trump gets one vote

The first speaker vote of Thursday yielded the same basic result as the first six ballots over the past two days: Kevin McCarthy doesn't have the numbers to become speaker.

The Republican leader again recorded 201 votes, according to the official House tally. This despite overnight negotiations in which McCarthy forces talked about various concessions to his opponents.

Anti-McCarthy Republicans voted for someone else. One, Matt Gaetz, cast his ballot for Donald Trump, even though the ex-president has repeatedly said he is not interested in the job and has in fact endorsed McCarthy.

Nineteen other Republicans again voted for Byron Donalds. Another Republican, Victoria Spartz, again voted "present."

As with the six previous votes, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries led the field with 212 votes, but he and his party lack the majority needed to make him speaker.

– David Jackson

Who is McCarthy?:Kevin McCarthy was once rejected for a House internship. Now he could become the next speaker

Trump gets his first vote for speaker

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who promoted Donald Trump for speaker of the House last year, followed through Thursday and cast a vote for the ex-president.

Technically, the speaker of the House does not have to be a member of Congress, but Trump has repeatedly said he is not interested in the job; instead, he has endorsed McCarthy and urged Gaetz and others to drop their opposition to the Republican leader.

It is Trump's first vote in the seven ballots the House has cast in a futile effort to elect a speaker.

– David Jackson

How the process works:What happens after McCarthy loses multiple speaker votes? We explain

McCarthy poised to lose seventh House speaker vote

Day three, ballot seven and still no speaker.

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy appeared to lose his seventh bid as he failed to reach the threshold required to win the speaker’s gavel.

The House adjourned Wednesday night until noon Thursday, buying McCarthy more time to secure the 218 votes he needs to be elected speaker. However, the effort has fallen short.

-- Sarah Elbeshbishi

"He ain't no prop:" McCarthy opponents again nominate Byron Donalds

Once again, opponents of McCarthy are again nominating Byron Donalds.

Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., said with Donalds the House has the chance to elect the first Black speaker in history, and he attacked Democrats who said that the Florida Republican is only a "prop" for the anti-McCarthy forces.

"He ain't no prop," Bishop said.

– David Jackson

Byron Donalds for speaker?:Republicans nominate McCarthy alternative in House speaker vote

Biden following with 'attention'

President Joe Biden was asked at the end of his border security event if he's still monitoring the speaker's race. "I'm following it with great...how can I say it?" he said, looking to the vice president for help.

"Attention," Vice President Harris said with a chuckle.

A smiling Biden repeated her. "Attention," he said.

-- Francesca Chambers

'Stay where you are':President Biden unveils new steps to curb surge of migrants, plans trip to El Paso border

Aguilar nominates Jeffries again

House Democratic Chair Pete Aguilar nominated House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a seventh time on Thursday afternoon.

“There is no victory in a journey without doing the business of the people,” Aguilar said.

His comments came on the third day of voting without a speaker chosen by a clear majority.

Jeffries has repeatedly had 212 votes – the full support of his caucus – while the GOP has failed to unite around one leader.

-- Candy Woodall

Who is Hakeem Jeffries?:What to know about the Brooklyn Rep. set to replace Pelosi

McCarthy nominated again, this time by John James

Michigan freshman congressman John James nominated McCarthy to start the day.

After a standing ovation and repeated applause, James said McCarthy would change the direction of the nation and argued that the GOP needs to resolve the impasse over the speaker's job.

People "want Republicans to lead," James said.

This will be McCarthy's seventh time on the speaker ballot.

- David Jackson

Who is Rep. Byron Donalds?

Representative Byron Donalds serves District 19 in Southwest Florida.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, he moved to the Sunshine State for college, originally attending Florida A&M before transferring to Florida State University where he graduated with a degree in finance. Post-grad Donalds worked at TIB Bank, CMG Life Services and Moran Wealth in Naples.

-- Anna Kaufman

Learn more about him:Byron Donalds for speaker? Republicans nominate McCarthy alternative in House speaker vote

Fanone singles out House GOP lawmakers on eve of Jan. 6

Former D.C. police officer Michael Fanone, who was defending the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, took aim at House Republicans at the forefront of McCarthy’s battle for the speakership as the House enters another day without a speaker.

“This week, people who encouraged or even attended the insurrection are taking places as leaders in the new House majority,” said Fanone, speaking at a press conference organized by progressive groups Courage for America and Common Defense.

Fanone singled out Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Matt Gaetz of Florida, and Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin.

“To the new speaker of the House, whoever the hell that ends up being, and other GOP House leaders, here’s my message to you,” said Fanone. “We the people are calling on you to condemn political violence.”

-- Ken Tran

Jan. 6 Capitol attack 2 years later:Trump still plagued by multiple investigations

Dems won’t bail out GOP

House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark confirmed Thursday morning that her “united” party will continue to vote for speaker with the full 212 membership, offering no relief to GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy who would have an easier time winning a majority of votes without some Democrats in the room.

“We are here. We are in full attendance, and we are going to remain so,” she said.

When asked if Democrats would stay through the weekend if the House remains in session until there’s a speaker, Clark said, “Yes, and this is not a hard sell.”

-- Candy Woodall

McCarthy offers new concessions

Rep. Kevin McCarthy is offering a slate of new concessions, trying to woo the Republican rebellion against him and effectively giving up the power of the speakership while hanging onto the title.

He has now allowed for a single member to force a vote to remove him as speaker, given the far-right flank authority to pick a third of the members on the powerful House Rules Committee, and opening spending bills to amendments and debates.

The concessions give more power to the 10% of the caucus that has already wielded outsized power in the narrow, four-person majority.

-- Candy Woodall

Perry, a McCarthy holdout, facing backlash at home

Rep. Scott Perry, one of the 20 holdouts against Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s bid for speaker, is being called out by progressives in his Pennsylvania district at home.

A rally planned Friday in remembrance of Jan. 6 will include a call to Perry to leave the House Freedom Caucus, which he chairs, according to organizers.

Members of Hershey Indivisible, a grassroots progressive organization, will meet on the Pennsylvania Capitol steps at noon Friday “to say MAGA Extremism is Fascism, Not Freedom,” the group said in a statement. “Let’s make sure Rep. Scott Perry doesn’t get away with his gross Freedom Caucus politics.”

Perry was a key figure in former President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election, according to the former House committee that investigated Jan. 6.

The Pennsylvania Republican refused subpoenas and interview requests from the committee and has denied that he ever sought a pardon.

Perry is now a ringleader in the effort against McCarthy and said on the House floor Wednesday the speaker fight is “hard” and “painful,” but necessary to fix a broken Washington.

-- Candy Woodall

How the process works:What happens after McCarthy loses multiple speaker votes? We explain

McCarthy’s outlook for Thursday

After two days of stinging defeats in six losses, Rep. Kevin McCarthy returned to the Capitol Thursday morning confident his bid for speaker is moving in the right direction.

“I think we’re making progress,” he said to reporters. “We’re all working together to find a solution.”

McCarthy can only afford to lose four votes, and there are at least five or more in his caucus who are still a hard NO on him. His allies see any movement toward him or the ability to prevent further losses as a win.

But does he have the votes yet to be speaker? “We’ll see,” McCarthy told reporters.

-- Candy Woodall

McCarthy’s shifting support

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy’s first real win this week was an adjournment vote and it came in prime time with benefits and consequences.

One of his allies, Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, said on CNN last night members should start discussing alternatives to McCarthy. He said the McCarthy holdouts are “dug in” and many of his 200 supporters could tolerate only “three or four” more votes.

Meanwhile, on FOX News, McCarthy was getting support from host Sean Hannity. “If you only have 30, to be clear, you will not withdraw,” Hannity said while interviewing McCarthy opponent Rep. Lauren Boebert, but you’re telling Kevin McCarthy and the 203 people who support him to withdraw.”

McCarthy also received support from Elon Musk, who said the GOP leader should be speaker, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and others.

“Speaker fight is 10% vs. 90% of members. It’s simple math,” Huckabee said in a tweet. “Meanwhile the country goes to hell & Dems & Devil laugh.”

-- Candy Woodall

A House without rules

Welcome to Day 3 in a House without rules, where for the first time in the modern era everything is in question – including the temperature in the chamber.

That’s not just the temperature of lawmakers disagreeing with each other, but also the actual temperature inside the room. The speaker of the House usually controls or dictates the thermostat, but without a speaker there have been some complaints this week that it’s too hot or too cold inside the chamber. Some gripes may be tongue in cheek and have offered some rare levity as the GOP, with a new and slim majority, struggles to organize its caucus.

Other changes in a House without rules this week have related to lobbyists on the floor. Some of them are former members or family of members, but normally paid lobbyists aren’t allowed on the House floor.

Also, without rules, there’s confusion, which was on display Wednesday night as both parties shouted at the clerk and each other as they decided to adjourn – first by voice vote, then a recorded vote.

The House without rules also has no members. All 434 are members-elect because they can’t be sworn in without a speaker.

-- Candy Woodall

Democrats to hold press conference Thursday morning

The minority party in the House hasn’t been demure in pointing to its good week and hasn’t missed an opportunity to talk about the GOP majority struggling to lead without leadership.

Democrats will hold another press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday and will have a closed-door meeting at 11 a.m., as the House returns for a third day without a speaker.

Look for Democrats to have their full caucus together Thursday morning. They lost an adjournment vote Wednesday night because two of their members, Reps. Tony Cardenas of California and Adriano Espaillat of New York, were absent for it.

The GOP won the adjournment vote 216 to 214, though four Republicans voted with Democrats against adjourning.

-- Candy Woodall

What to expect today

Based on members comments alone, Rep. Kevin McCarthy still doesn’t have the votes to be speaker.

But there could be a seventh vote when the House gavels in at noon Wednesday. Or there could be another adjournment. Neither procedure came easily yesterday.

McCarthy can only afford to lose four Republican votes in House GOP’s slim majority, and there are still at least five who say they are voting against him: Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Bob Good of Virginia.

The reasons for their holdouts range from not trusting McCarthy, believing he’s too aligned with the Republican establishment they see as “the swamp” to complaining about spending bills he’s let move through the House.

Based on other reports in Politico Playbook and Punchbowl News, there are maybe a dozen firm NOs against McCarthy, but his camp remains optimistic. They believe if they can win some of the 20 detractors to their side, it will pressure the other holdouts.

However, some members like Gaetz told reporters Wednesday he will be a NO for weeks or months.

Though some of the hardliners say it will be worth monthslong negotiations to not have McCarthy as speaker, other members with military backgrounds continue to sound alarms this morning that not having a sworn-in House is putting national security risk. Without being sworn in, there are no committees to oversee the Department of Defense and other agencies, they may not have valid security clearances and can’t be briefed on threatening national security risks.

--Candy Woodall

Who is Kevin McCarthy?

In 1987, a 22-year-old college student named Kevin McCarthy was rejected from a congressional internship. More than 30 years later, that onetime intern hopeful could become the next speaker of the House.

Former California Republican Rep. Bill Thomas’ chief of staff, Cathy Abernathy, is the one who turned down the then-student from Bakersfield in the 80s. Never, she told USA TODAY, did she guess the arc McCarthy's career would take.

“It’s absurd to ask a person ‘Did you see this coming?’” Abernathy laughed. “Of course not.”

-- Ken Tran

Why do they keep voting for speaker of the House?

Prior the start of a new Congress, both parties hold a private meeting where they elect the party leadership for the next Congress. This takes place before Jan. 3, the official start of the new term when all House members vote for the speaker.

A candidate only needs a majority of votes from their respective party to win the nomination in the private meeting for leadership.

Even if a colleague votes against a candidate in the private caucus meeting, the party typically sticks together to back their nominee on the House floor in January, according to Matt Glassman, a senior fellow at Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute.

However, when the whole House votes, just a few votes in opposition to a candidate from their own party could cost them the speakership.

-- Rachel Looker

Learn more here:What happens after McCarthy loses speaker vote multiple times? Here's how the process works.

What happened Wednesday?

A chaotic and historic two days in the House were punctuated Wednesday night by a raucous vote to adjourn during a tumultuous session marked by shouting and confusion.

And still no speaker.

Republicans came to the floor at 8 p.m. ET and motioned to adjourn again until noon Thursday to give GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy more time to secure the 218 votes he needs to win the gavel. Democrats, in no hurry to resolve the GOP stalemate, tried to block the effort but failed.

A voice vote was too close in a House currently without rules, and Democrats shouted for the clerk to hold a recorded vote. Members filed up to the rostrum to cast their votes, as others stood behind them and anxiously looked up at the House scoreboard.

-- USA TODAY staff

What happened Tuesday

The House of Representatives adjourned Tuesday without a new speaker after GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy lost three straight ballots in the face of hardline opposition, the first time in a century the usually pro-forma process has taken more than one vote.

The last time the vote for a new speaker went past the first ballot was 100 years ago, in 1923. The loss underscores how Republican infighting between moderates and hardliners will complicate the GOP's majority in the House of Representatives.

Read the day one recap here:House adjourns without a new speaker as McCarthy loses three rounds of voting

-- USA TODAY staff

Recap: House adjourns as McCarthy regroups after losing speaker ...

WASHINGTON - A chaotic and historic two days in the House was punctuated Wednesday night by a raucous vote to adjourn during a tumultuous session marked by shouting and confusion.

And still no speaker.

Republicans came to the floor at 8 p.m. ET and motioned to adjourn again until noon tomorrow to give GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy more time to secure the 218 votes he needs to win the gavel. Democrats, in no hurry to resolve the GOP stalemate, tried to block the effort but failed.

A voice vote was too close in a House currently without rules, and Democrats shouted for the clerk to hold a recorded vote. Members filed up to the rostrum to cast their votes, as others stood behind them and anxiously looked up at the House scoreboard.

The GOP, which ultimately has a four-vote majority in the House, won the debate 216-214, with at least two Republicans siding with Democrats.

After six votes in two days, Wednesday night ended without a speaker in the House. A seventh vote likely blocking McCarthy, who is more than a dozen votes shy fo what he needs, would have ensued if the House had not adjourned. It's been 100 years since a speaker's election took more than one ballot.

The House reconvenes at noon Thursday, when McCarthy will resume his prolonged fight for speaker.

The situation, which has dragged on since Tuesday, has left Congress paralyzed, since no member of the House of Representatives can be sworn in and no rules can be adopted until a speaker is chosen.

The House remained stuck after McCarthy was nominated, several times, for the top job in that chamber. He appears to have failed again to have secured that job - for now.

On Tuesday, McCarthy was denied the 218 votes he needed by a cadre of Republican hardliners in three separate ballots. It was the first time in a century that a speaker was not elected on the first round.

A group of up to 20 conservatives is determined to oppose McCarthy, and the end game remains unclear..

Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter

Here are the latest developments:

McCarthy nominated, again, and loses, again. The action began around noon, with McCarthy nominated for a fourth, fifth and sixth time in two days. He lost all three ballots.

The action began around noon, with McCarthy nominated for a fourth, fifth and sixth time in two days. He lost all three ballots. Biden calls the situation embarrassing. The fighting is "not a good look," he told reporters at the White House. Ultimately, though, the GOP drama isn't his problem, he said.

The fighting is "not a good look," he told reporters at the White House. Ultimately, though, the GOP drama isn't his problem, he said. The plan. The plan is for members to vote again – and again – if necessary. But if there's no resolution, the voting could last for days, weeks or even months.

Day One: House adjourns without a new speaker as McCarthy loses three rounds of voting: live updates

What now?:What happens after McCarthy loses speaker vote three times? Here's how the process works.

House to vote on adjourning for the night without electing a speaker

The House will vote late Wednesday on adjourning for the night without electing a speaker of the House, prolonging the political paralysis that has gripped the chamber.

GOP leader Kevin McCarthy has been unable to sway enough conservatives to win the speaker's job.

After McCarthy failed on a sixth ballot in the mid-afternoon, the House GOP approved an adjournment until 8 p.m.

A House floor update notes that the House will vote again to adjourn when it reconvenes.

– David Jackson

PACs come together to back McCarthy as speaker

In the hour before the House reconvenes, two political action committees have come together to support McCarthy in his continued bid for speaker.

The Congressional Leadership Fund, an independent super PAC linked to McCarthy, and Club for Growth, a conservative group, agreed that the congressional leadership fund will not spend in open-seat primaries in safe Republican districts or provide resources to other PACs to do so.

This agreement could appease McCarthy opponents in safe districts who didn’t want money spent against them in primaries

- Rachel Looker

How long was the longest speaker vote in the past? Months

Not since 1923 has a speaker’s election gone to multiple ballots.

The longest and most grueling fight for the gavel started in late 1855 and dragged out for two months, with 133 ballots, during debates over slavery in the run-up to the Civil War.

-- Associated Press

Trump power? Ex-president hasn't moved the needle on McCarthy – and many Republicans noticed

So far, not a single Republican opponent of Kevin McCarthy has changed his or her vote after former President Donald Trump urged them to back McCarthy and move on.

"Currently on full display: how DEEPLY weakened Trump is," tweeted Alyssa Farah Griffin, an aide in the Trump White House. "Even his staunchest allies aren’t afraid to defy him & his endorsement did nothing to get McCarthy more votes."

Many Republicans pointed out the comments of Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., who said her "favorite president" asked her and other members of the anti-McCarthy faction to "knock this off," but he should instead call McCarthy and tell him "'you do not have the votes, and it's time to withdraw.'"

After that comment, Republican strategist Scott Jennings said: "Not only are they disregarding Trump but they are now ORDERING HIM AROUND. Unbelievable!"

Trump has faced rising criticism since the November elections; many Republicans blamed the ex-president for the party's disappointing showing, not to mention the many investigations swirling around him.

– David Jackson

Previously:Republican support for Trump's 2024 bid falls amid political, legal setbacks

GOP: Lack of speaker means lack of security clearances

A group of GOP members-elect said without a speaker, they lack access to secure facilities where they receive daily briefs related to the nation's security.

Following McCarthy's sixth failed attempt at speaker, Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher said during a press conference that he was supposed to meet with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to talk about matters in the Indo-Pacific, but was informed by House security that he does not have a clearance.

“My point is we have work to do that we can’t do right now,” Gallagher, who is a member of the Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, said.

Michigan Rep. John James said the needs and security of all Americans needs to be prioritized.

“Right now, we’re hamstrung from doing that because we are bogged down in things that have taken our focus off the nation,” he said.

- Rachel Looker

McCarthy standoff:A visual guide to a House speaker deadlock not seen for a century

House adjourns until 8 p.m.

Following three votes Wednesday afternoon that failed to produce a speaker, GOP Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma motioned to adjourn – but even that didn’t come without some pushback.

All Republicans voted yes in a voice vote. All Democrats voted no.

Former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer called for a roll call vote, but leadership didn’t agree.

The clerk called the adjournment until 8 p.m., when the House will reconvene.

-- Candy Woodall

Takeaways:McCarthy keeps losing, Biden mocks House GOP: Day 2 of the new Congress

A sixth ballot repeat: McCarthy stuck on 201 votes

Three votes on Wednesday, three identical results – and McCarthy is no closer to being speaker of the House.

McCarthy again claimed only 201 votes on the sixth ballot, just as he did on the two previous rounds Wednesday, according to the House clerk. McCarthy also fell short in three votes on Tuesday; he needs 218 to prevail, and it's unclear how he can get there.

A group of 20 conservatives again voted for Byron Donalds on the sixth ballot, as they did on ballots four and five.

A former McCarthy supporter, Victoria Spartz, voted "present."

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries remained the top vote getter, with the support of 212 Democratic colleagues.

The House then adjourned until 8 p.m.

– David Jackson

Day two of Congress:As Santos fiddles with his phone, investigators circle, speaker votes are cast

McCarthy appears to lose sixth House speaker vote

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy lost a sixth vote in his bid for speaker, putting an exclamation point on two long days that have not gone in his favor.

Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida described his sixth nomination as “Groundhog Day” and urged fellow Republicans to unite and get things done for the American people.

But an opposition group within his own party, largely led by conservative Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, didn’t budge.

Without a speaker, the House remains paralyzed, without the ability to swear-in members, seat committees or move legislation.

--Candy Woodall

Elsewhere in government:Biden plans to visit the U.S.-Mexico border for the first time in his presidency

Perry, while nominating Donalds, credits Pelosi

While nominating Republican Rep. Byron Donalds a third time today for speaker, Rep. Scott Perry said it’s actually a Democrat who has done the most to build the current GOP majority: former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Donalds knows “Washington is broken” and will work to fix it, he said.

Perry is one of the ringleaders of a group of 20 conservative members opposing House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy.

“We are making history in this process and showing the American people this process works,” Perry said. “Is it going to be hard? Is it going to be painful? Yes. That’s probably why it hasn’t happened in 100 years.”

--Candy Woodall

What's happening in the House?:What happens after McCarthy loses speaker vote again? Here's how the process works.

Jeffries nominated for the sixth time

With little movement so far on who will become speaker, Aguilar nominated Jeffries again for the sixth time.

“Democrats are united behind a speaker who will build safer communities,” said Aguilar, referring to Democratic priorities on gun control legislation. “A leader who has a track record in actually getting things done.”

-- Ken Tran

Previously:Hakeem Jeffries elected House Democratic leader, making history as first Black lawmaker to lead a major party in Congress

Taylor Greene: House speaker vote 'embarrassing'

As the House moved to a sixth ballot to determine who will win the speaker’s gavel, GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called her party’s inability to pick a speaker “embarrassing.”

“I hope it’s over soon because, to be honest with you, I find it embarrassing,” Greene told reporters on her way back to the House floor.

Greene also gave credit to Democrats for being able to work together, saying that she thinks the GOP “should find ways to work together.”

- Sarah Elbeshbishi

Cammack says it’s “Groundhog Day” as she nominates McCarthy

GOP Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida called it “Groundhog Day” as she nominated House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy for speaker – his sixth nomination in two days.

She said the American people don’t care about who’s going to be speaker; they care about getting results to problems, such as the ongoing opioid crisis and “open border.”

“They didn’t send us to be perpetual critics,” Cammack said. “They sent us to get things done.”

It’s time to unite and do the people’s business, she said.

-- Candy Woodall

Quest for the gavel:Kevin McCarthy was once rejected for a House internship. Now he could become the next speaker

No change for McCarthy on the fifth ballot

The fifth ballot went the same as the fourth, according to the official House tally: McCarthy again won 201 votes, well short of the 218 he needs to become speaker.

Again, 20 Republicans voted for a non-McCarthy alternative, Byron Donalds.

Again, former McCarthy supporter Victoria Spartz voted "present."

And, again, Hakeem Jeffries racked up 212 votes from fellow Democrats.

On toward a sixth ballot.

– David Jackson

Could Jeffries win the speakership?

Jeffries has consistently received 212 votes in each of the ballots—gaining the support of every Democrat in the House and surpassing the number of ballots for McCarthy. But it is highly unlikely that Jeffries would win the speakership.

It would require a member, or multiple members, of the Republican party to reach across the aisle and cast a ballot in support of the opposite party.

The last time a lawmaker voted for the opposite political party was in 2001. Democratic Rep. Jim Traficant from Ohio voted for the Republican speaker nominee. The Democratic party stripped him of all committee assignments in response.

- Rachel Looker

Who is Hakeem Jeffries?:What to know about the Brooklyn Rep. nominated for Congress

Donalds: ‘I never came here to try to be speaker’

Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, who received 20 votes in the last ballot, said he expects the speaker to be elected today, but added that serving in the top leadership position was never his intention. He said he anticipates meeting with McCarthy later today.

“I didn’t come to DC being interested in becoming speaker of the House,” he said, adding, however, that he understands the responsibility of making sure the Republican conference can govern. “I’m going to help do that in any way I can,” he said.

“The time of leadership by acclamation, those days are over,” he said.

-- Rachel Looker

McCarthy appears to lose fifth vote

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy appears to have lost his bid for speaker a fifth consecutive time, continuing a string of stinging defeats and a tumultuous day in the lower chamber.

McCarthy lost three times Tuesday and twice so far Wednesday. There could be more votes this afternoon, as no member in either party has motioned to adjourn.

Before the fifth vote, multiple McCarthy allies worked to end the impasse with his 20 detractors, but the count proved out of their favor.

-- Candy Woodall

Who is McCarthy?:Kevin McCarthy was once rejected for a House internship. Now he could become the next speaker

Who voted present today on the fourth ballot?

On the fourth ballot for speaker, Indiana Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz opted to vote “present” after backing McCarthy in the previous three ballots, in another blow to McCarthy’s chances of securing the speakership.

“We have a constitutional duty to elect the speaker of the House, but we have to deliberate further as a Republican conference until we have enough votes and stop wasting everyone’s time.” Spartz said. “None of the Republican candidates have this number yet. That’s why I voted present after all votes were cast.”

No member from McCarthy’s opposition has yet to flip and vote for McCarthy as speaker.

-- Ken Tran

A new Congress with new priorities:What to know on investigations, the fate of Biden's agenda and more

Trump has been calling GOP lawmakers to urge support for McCarthy, Boebert says

GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert in her nominating remarks shook off Trump’s endorsement of McCarthy.

“Let’s stop with the campaign smears and tactics to get people to turn against us,” said Boebert. “Even having my favorite president call us and tell us we need to knock this off, I think it actually needs to be reversed.”

“The president needs to tell Kevin McCarthy, ‘Sir you do not have the votes and it’s time to withdraw.’” said Boebert to cheers from McCarthy’s opposition.

-- Ken Tran

Throwback:Lawmakers sound off on recorded call of Kevin McCarthy saying Trump should resign over Jan. 6

Boebert nominates Donalds

Rep. Lauren Boebert nominated Rep. Byron Donalds for House speaker, his second nomination of the day.

Along with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ nomination, it marks the first day two Black men have been nominated speaker.

Boebert said Donalds will uphold conservative principles and build consensus. He received 20 votes during his first nomination.

--Candy Woodall

Previously:'High school drama'? MAGA lawmakers Greene and Boebert spar over Kevin McCarthy's speaker bid

Aguilar nominates Jeffries for the fifth time

After the fourth ballot was officially tallied, the House went straight to a fifth ballot with Aguilar nominating Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on the Democratic side again.

“Madam Clerk, the lead vote getter in the last four tallies, Democrats are united behind a speaker who will work to codify the right to seek an abortion into law,” said Aguilar, referencing a key Democratic priority to enshrine abortion rights into federal law.

In all of the last four ballots, Jeffries earned the complete support of his Democratic colleagues at 212 votes.

-- Ken Tran

Who is Hakeem Jeffries in Congress?:What to know about the Brooklyn Rep. set to replace Pelosi

Davidson gives McCarthy fifth nomination

Rep. Warren Davidson, an Ohio Republican who took former Speaker John Boehner’s seat, nominated Rep. Kevin McCarthy Wednesday immediately following the House GOP leader’s fourth loss for speaker.

Davidson pointed out that there may be some members who don’t trust McCarthy, but said there are about 200 members who don’t trust the leader’s 20 detractors.

After rattling off a list of concessions he said McCarthy has made to those voting against him, Davidson said, “Kevin McCarthy engaged in that negotiation. He led the Congress to adopt substantive reforms that will make our majority more effective.”

-- Candy Woodall

Round four: Another loss for McCarthy

The fourth ballot, the first of Wednesday, went a little worse for McCarthy.

The struggling speaker candidate officially wound up with only 201 votes, fewer than the numbers he took on the three ballots on Tuesday, according to the House clerk. One of his previous supporters, Victoria Spartz of Indiana, voted "present" on Wednesday.

McCarthy needs 218 votes to win the speaker's job, and he is moving a little farther away.

This despite a morning endorsement from Donald Trump and heavy lobbying from allies who say all this is making the Republicans look bad.

Despite the pressure, McCarthy opponents who supported Jim Jordan for speaker on Monday backed a new challenger on Tuesday, Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida. He received 20 votes, the same number Jordan got on Tuesday's third ballot.

The stalemate again allowed Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries to become the top vote getter with 212 Democrats, but without the majority needed to prevail.

– David Jackson

What's happening in the House:Who are the Republicans balking at Kevin McCarthy as a House speaker?

McCarthy appears to lose fourth ballot

The outlook for Kevin McCarthy grew dimmer Wednesday afternoon when the House GOP leader appeared to have lost his bid for speaker a fourth consecutive time.

It was a crucial vote for McCarthy, who after losing three times yesterday worked to find a path forward today. He and his allies have tried to both sway his opponents and also persuade some of them to vote “present,” making it easier for him to win with a lower voting majority.

On Wednesday, it was evident McCarthy did little to advance when he did not pick up any votes.

--Candy Woodall

Gallagher nominates McCarthy for speaker

Rep. Mike Gallagher. a Wisconsin Republican, nominated House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy for speaker – his fourth nomination in two days.

“I wish we had a bigger majority,” Gallagher said, “but the American people gave us an opportunity.”

McCarthy is not asking for a vote to keep business as usual, Gallagher said. The leader wants to do the people’s business, he said.

Gaetz challenges McCarthy over office space

It's really gotten personal between aspiring House Speaker McCarthy and conservative critic Matt Gaetz.

Gaetz has asked the Architect of the Capitol to investigate McCarthy for moving stuff into the Speaker of the House's suite of offices, even though he failed to actually win the job during three ballots on Tuesday.

"How long will he remain there before he is considered a squatter?" the Florida Republican said in a letter to the architect's office.

Another McCarthy opponent, Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, re-tweeted Gaetz's complaint and amplified the itinerant metaphor: "McCarthy is squatting in the Speaker’s office."

For his part, McCarthy and his allies have criticized Gaetz for saying he would rather see Democrat Hakeem Jeffries win the speaker's job than McCarthy.

Stay tuned for more news about McCarthy's political future – and his office.

– David Jackson

Mike Pence chimes in, urges House GOP to elect McCarthy as speaker

Former Vice President Mike Pence offered his perspective on McCarthy’s battle, urging House Republicans “to support my friend, Kevin McCarthy as the next speaker of the House.”

“@GOPLeader’s (McCarthy's) leadership & vision led to the new Republican majority & I know Speaker McCarthy will lead the House to begin a great American comeback!” Pence tweeted.

-- Ken Tran

Aguilar: ‘Crisis of the Congress’

Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, the House Democratic Caucus chair, reiterated support for Jeffries Wednesday morning and said he will be nominating Jeffries during the speaker votes this afternoon. All 212 Democrats voted for Jeffries Tuesday during the three ballots.

“This is a crisis of the congress,” Aguilar said of yesterday’s proceedings.

He added that Democrats have not had any outreach with their colleagues on the other side of the aisle.

California Rep. Ted Lieu said the speakership position has already weakened from the inability of the Republican caucus to unite and select a speaker, noting that Democrats are also at a standstill and can’t appoint members to committees.

“They’ve already weakened that position,” Lieu said of the speakership, referencing McCarthy’s concessions including the motion to vacate.

- Rachel Looker and Sarah Elbeshbishi

'The rest of the world is looking': Biden calls GOP House speaker fight ‘embarrassing’

President Joe Biden called Republicans’ fight over electing a new House speaker “embarrassing,” “not a good look” and “not my problem” as he sought to contrast the chaos in House with a focus on governing.

“I hope they get their act together,” Biden told reporters Wednesday, adding that “the rest of the world is looking” and he is focused on “getting things done.”

Biden, speaking from the South Lawn of the White House, was en route to Kentucky. There he will appear with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and other officeholders of both parties to promote bipartanship by showcasing a major bridge project funded by federal infrastructure dollars.

-- Joey Garrison

Gaetz: Trump won't change my mind about opposing McCarthy

Matt Gaetz, an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, is saying Trump's endorsement of McCarthy won't shake his opposition to the latter's candidacy for House speaker.

"Sad!" Gaetz said in a Wednesday statement to Fox News Digital. "This changes neither my view of McCarthy nor Trump nor my vote."

In a Truth Social post hours earlier, Trump hit the all-caps button to say to Republican dissidents: "VOTE FOR KEVIN, CLOSE THE DEAL, TAKE THE VICTORY."

Gaetz is especially close to Trump; he once endorsed Trump himself for the speaker's job. If Trump can't change his mind, it's hard to see many of the 20 or so opponents of McCarthy changing theirs.

– David Jackson

What about George Santos?

As if the GOP didn't have enough distractions.

Rep.-elect George Santos, of New York, has been embroiled in controversy after reports found he made up multiple parts of his biography during the 2022 midterm campaign.

The 34-year-old Republican, who is under investigation by New York prosecutors, admitted he lied about his educational achievements, his ancestry and his employment. He was in the chamber Tuesday for the speaker vote and is expected to be there Wednesday.

On the first three ballots, Santos voted for McCarthy. Like all other members of the House, he can take part in the vote for speaker though he won't be sworn in until after one is chosen.

Trump calls for members to vote for McCarthy

In a new Truth Social post Wednesday morning, Former President Donald Trump called on Republican House members to support Kevin McCarthy.

“Vote for Kevin, close the deal, take the victory,” Trump said in all caps.

He urged Republicans: “Do not turn a great triumph into a giant & embarrassing defeat.”

Trump said it’s time to celebrate, seemingly referring to the GOP’s four-vote majority in the House.

“Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a great job – just watch!” he said in closing.

McCarthy’s most fervent opponents are some of Trump’s biggest supporters. It remains to be seen if they will be swayed by his endorsement Wednesday morning.

--Candy Woodall

What to expect today

The House formally gavels in at noon, but both Republicans and Democrats will be meeting throughout the morning.

On the Republican side, Rep. Kevin McCarthy and his allies are working on two fronts: they are trying to negotiate with his detractors to sway their votes to his side and they’re also trying to get some members to vote “present” rather than for a named candidate. Voting present would ultimately help McCarthy boost his numbers and lower the threshold for which he needs to become speaker.

On the Democratic side, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu will hold a press conference at 10:45 a.m. after their closed caucus meeting that starts at 9 a.m. Look for Democrats to take questions on whether they will help Republicans by having some members absent from the chamber today, lowering the overall voting majority and number McCarthy would need to clinch the speakership.

Last night, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said his caucus is focused on having a working partnership with Republicans to pass bipartisan legislation, but they’re not responsible for helping the GOP get organized.

Once the House gavels in at noon, members-elect could choose to vote again for speaker or adjourn again to allow for more negotiations.

--Candy Woodall

What changed overnight?

Rep. Kevin McCarthy is shifting his strategy to become speaker of the House – or at least he’s shifting the way he’s talking about it.

When a confident, almost defiant, McCarthy spoke during and after a Republican conference meeting Tuesday morning, he had said he wasn’t making any more concessions to appease the most conservative flank of his party and that he had “earned” the speakership.

By Tuesday night at the Capitol, after he had lost three votes to become speaker, he said he wanted all views to be represented on House committees and that negotiations were ongoing between his more than 200 supporters and 20 detractors.

McCarthy also said he had a new path to the speakership. Rather than focusing on the 218 votes needed to win the speakership outright, he mentioned 11 votes last night he needs to flip. A lot of that strategy involves getting some of his 20 dissenters to vote “present” rather than for a named candidate, which would allow him to win the speakership with a lower majority of votes.

--Candy Woodall

What could happen next?

Members will continue to vote — again and again potentially when they come back at noon. The vote could last for days, weeks or months until a speaker candidate receives enough votes. This leaves the House paralyzed since no member can be sworn in, no rules can be adopted and no legislative business can be conducted until a speaker is chosen

McCarthy could drop out of the race for speaker, leaving an opening for another Republican to win the speakership. As of Tuesday afternoon, no McCarthy challengers have come close to gaining enough votes to win the speakership. During the three ballots, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs, Indiana Rep. Jim Banks, former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin and New York Rep. Byron Donalds received votes.

As a last resort, lawmakers could adopt a resolution that would elect a speaker by a plurality or by rank-choice voting instead of a simple majority.

- Rachel Looker

More:McCarthy denied, Santos in House: 5 takeaways from the tumultuous first day of a new Congress

More:What can Congress do about Rep.-elect George Santos, who lied ahead of winning his election?