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U.S. Congress remains paralyzed as Jim Jordan announces third run for House Speaker
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U.S. Congress remains paralyzed as Jim Jordan announces third run for House Speaker

Hardline conservative Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan lost in his bid to be U.S. House Speaker this week after failing in two rounds of voting on the floor.   

On Thursday it briefly appeared Jordan was pausing his campaign in support of extending the authority of acting speaker, Rep. Patrick McHenry.  However, the plan was rejected by multiple Republicans despite the White House saying it was open to the solution.  

Jordan later told reporters he’s still in the running.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) faces reporters after it was reported that Jordan vowed to continue his floundering bid for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives after earlier saying he would back a plan to empower Speaker of the House Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) to hold the post until January. October 19, 2023.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) faces reporters after it was reported that Jordan vowed to continue his floundering bid for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives after earlier saying he would back a plan to empower Speaker of the House Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) to hold the post until January. October 19, 2023.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) faces reporters after it was reported that Jordan vowed to continue his floundering bid for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives after earlier saying he would back a plan to empower Speaker of the House Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) to hold the post until January. October 19, 2023.

“I plan to go to the floor and get the votes and win this race,” Jordan said Thursday. 

 Without a House Speaker, the U.S. Congress is essentially paralyzed from acting on urgent legislative business, including the eruption of violence in Israel and Palestine, and issues to prevent an impending U.S. government shutdown.

It was unclear when the House will undergo its third vote on a speaker. 

Jordan reportedly has been trying to speak with up to 20 Republicans who rejected his bid over the last two votes.  

Several lawmakers, including Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, claimed they were threatened after voting against Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House. In her remarks, Miller-Meeks reported "credible death threats." 

Rep. Don Bacon, a vocal opponent of Jordan, presented texts that claimed to show his wife being harassed by a Jordan supporter.

Republicans such as Jen Kiggans, Kay Granger, and John Rutherford are concerned about pressure from right-wing organizations. 

The legislative chamber has been paralyzed since October 3, when a group of hardline Republicans historically ousted Kevin McCarthy from the position, with Jim Jordan as their favored nominee.

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