Democrats are breaking out the popcorn as a group of hard-line conservatives dig their heels in to deny Kevin McCarthy, the GOP’s speaker nominee, the gavel.
The California Republican failed to garner the 218 votes needed to win the speakership after 19 Republicans voted against him on the first and second ballots. The members, either part of or aligned with the conservative House Freedom Caucus, have laid out a steep set of demands for McCarthy in order to win his vote, including major changes to the House rules.
MCCARTHY’S FIVE BIGGEST RULES CONCESSIONS IN BID TO BECOME SPEAKER
After the third ballot, 20 Republicans are backing Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as an alternative to McCarthy, who they say has been ineffective during his years in leadership. Jordan himself gave a nominating speech for McCarthy and has voted for McCarthy on each ballot.
Democrats are relishing the infighting as their entire conference votes for Minority Leader-elect Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), publicly carrying bags of popcorn as tensions across the aisle increase.
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) posted to Twitter a picture of a large popcorn bucket in a break room and said the Democrats will snack on it “till the Republicans get their act together.”
Dems literally breaking out the popcorn>> https://t.co/SWifq7BzTr
— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) January 3, 2023
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) posted a picture of himself with a bag of popcorn, captioned, “About to go to the House Floor.”
About to go to the House Floor. pic.twitter.com/81QVxmbHBb
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 3, 2023
Two Illinois Democrats, Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Robin Kelly, gave a shoutout to Chicago staple Garrett Popcorn. Schakowsky’s bucket sported the classic Chicago cheese and caramel mix.
Happy first day of the 118th Congress! I can’t wait to continue my work on behalf of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. It could be a long day, plus I want to celebrate my 35 new Democratic colleagues, so I brought Chicago’s best, @GarrettPopcorn, to share with everyone! pic.twitter.com/uFaw3f2Y8k
— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) January 3, 2023
I’ve got my popcorn ready. ? pic.twitter.com/UKmWhMabbO
— Robin Kelly (@RepRobinKelly) January 3, 2023
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Eating is not allowed on the House floor, but members can snack in the cloakrooms in the wings.
The sun set on Tuesday without a winner in the speaker’s election after three roll call votes. Outgoing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) told reporters the GOP is not painting “a good picture of how to resolve differences” amid GOP infighting. The House cannot conduct any business until the speaker is elected, though members did agree to recess until noon Wednesday.
