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- The House of Representatives still has not elected a speaker, and no members have been sworn in.
- Kevin McCarthy remains at a stand-off with a group of conservatives who oppose his leadership.
- Now, Democrats are gearing up to stay in Washington until a speaker is chosen.
The House of Representatives has been trying to elect a speaker for two days now. And it could keep doing so for days to come.
With Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy continuing to fail in his quest to become speaker — despite several votes since mid-day Tuesday — members are now gearing up to stay in town until the business is finished.
“Members are advised that they should be prepared to stay in Washington, D.C. until a Speaker is elected,” reads a notice sent to Democratic members-elect from Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the party’s whip.
Without a speaker, the House cannot conduct any regular business — including passing legislation — and does not even have any official members, since none have been sworn in by the yet-to-be-decided speaker.
Members may only vote to adjourn or take votes on speaker.
A message sent to Democratic members-elect on Wednesday afternoon.
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark
For Democrats, it’s imperative that they remain in Washington and are able to be physically present in the House chamber at a moment’s notice.
The speaker is chosen by all members who are present in the House chamber. If any leave town, that will lower the threshold of votes required for a Republican to be elected speaker.
And for now, Democrats have no desire to help McCarthy — or any Republican, for that matter — claim the gavel.
