McCarthy’s record 8.5-hour floor speech wins points with Republicans after leadership questioned

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s record filibuster-style floor speech delaying passage of Democrats’ Build Back Better social spending and climate bill won points with conservatives in the Republican conference right when he needed it, potentially boosting his resume for a bid for House speaker if Republicans win back the House in 2022.

Earlier in the week, McCarthy faced angry conservatives in a House Republican conference meeting, outside criticisms of his leadership after 13 Republicans joined with Democrats to pass a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, and press articles questioning his viability to be elected speaker.