House Republicans on Wednesday nominated Majority Leader Steve Scalise as their candidate for speaker, tapping a potent fundraiser and ally of the fossil-fuel industry to replace the ousted Kevin McCarthy.
Scalise beat Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan for the nomination, which comes as the House looks next toward a floor vote for speaker. The chamber currently doesn’t have a permanent speaker, following McCarthy’s ouster on Oct. 3.
A House floor vote to select the speaker had been expected to happen Wednesday, but the session was concluded around nightfall without any further action taken. A successful candidate needs the majority of those present and voting for speaker. In January, it took McCarthy 15 rounds to win the post.
Scalise has touted his votes for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal, as evidence of what he calls his focus on issues that most impact Americans. He edges Jordan — also a top campaign fundraiser — in dollars contributed to party allies, Reuters reports.
House lawmakers are under pressure to choose a speaker with the federal government funded through Nov. 17, and with members expressing a desire to help Israel as it battles Hamas. Without a bill to keep the government open past the 17th, it will partially shut down.