Staff Reports
During the initial round of the competition for the position of Speaker of the House, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has emerged victorious. He still has a considerable distance to travel, however, before he can attain the coveted position. Scalise received 113 votes to win the Republican nomination, but 217 votes are required to secure the speakership. He has been appointed speaker-designee for the time being, with Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry maintaining his position as gavelbearer.
What is the speaker-designee, and does @SteveScalise have any powers?
DETAILS: https://t.co/iD6UPjhE5q https://t.co/iD6UPjhE5q
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 13, 2023
The circumstance becomes marginally more intricate when McHenry assumes the role of interim speaker. Although he does possess certain capabilities, his authority over the position is not absolute. As per House Rule I, he may serve pro tempore as Speaker pending the election of a new Speaker; however, the scope of his authority is subject to discussion. In the absence of an elected Speaker, McHenry, not Scalise, holds the authority.
Scalise will retain his position as speaker-designee until a comprehensive ballot is held on the House floor, during which he will be required to obtain a minimum of 217 votes. Nevertheless, several Republicans have voiced their endorsement of alternative candidates, including McCarthy and Jordan, potentially resulting in a speakership election involving multiple rounds of voting. As of yet, it is uncertain whether Scalise will amass sufficient party support to reclaim the speakership.
As the campaign for House Speaker intensifies, it is evident that Scalise faces a formidable challenge in his journey to victory. Although he secured the initial victory, his status as the ultimate victor is far from indisputable. Given the presence of other contenders and the possibility of polarized support within the Republican Party, Scalise will be compelled to exert considerable effort in order to obtain the necessary majority vote to assume the position of Speaker. It's a difficult road, but Scalise can traverse it. Let’s hope he can rally the necessary support and bring the conservative agenda to the forefront.
