During private balloting, Mr. Johnson won a majority, but ahead of an expected House floor vote Wednesday the nominee will need almost all Republicans to win the gavel. House Republicans returned behind closed doors, where they spend much of their time, desperately searching for a leader who can unite the factions, reopen the House and get the U.S. Congress working again. Mr. Trump allies, including the influential hard-right instigator Steve Bannon, have been critical of Mr. Emmer. Among the far-right groups pressuring lawmakers over the speaker’s vote, some quickly attacked Mr. Emmer. With Republicans controlling the House 221-212 over Democrats, any GOP nominee can afford just a few detractors to win the gavel.

Source: The Hindu October 25, 2023 08:23 UTC