The Lengthy Battle for a House Speaker

The House of Representatives has been without a speaker for over a week, the longest since 1971, as Rep. Steve Scalise withdrew from consideration after being nominated by House Republicans. The House canceled a vote and it is unclear when it will meet next or who the House GOP will put forward next. Democrats are backing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The lack of House leadership complicates Washington's response to the Israel-Hamas war and the government shutdown. Rep. Patrick McHenry will serve as speaker pro tempore until a new speaker is chosen.