WASHINGTON — House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California failed Thursday in five more attempts to be elected speaker, extending the saga over which Republican will succeed Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Without an elected leader, the House remains paralyzed, delaying members’ oaths of office, GOP committee assignments, congressional probes and hearings, a rules package and passage of any legislation. Until a speaker is a elected by a majority of the chamber, the House can do little else beyond vote for a speaker or move to adjourn.
House Republicans have begun complaining about the real-world effects of the impasse, such as losing access to national security intelligence and being unable to help their constituents with casework.
