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The Republican Kevin McCarthy was elected this morning president of the United States House of Representatives, closing a situation of blockade unprecedented in more than 160 years, embarrassing for that party, which augurs hectic debates and tension in Congress.
After several transactions, the rebel group made up of supporters of former President Donald Trump relented and allowed Kevin McCarthy, a 57-year-old Californian, to be appointed by a simple majority.
McCarthy replaces the Democrat Nancy Pelosi in the position of “speaker”, although he emerges weakened from this process that will probably entail a very difficult mandate.
Before giving in, the free electrons of the Republican camp contributed a few last notes of suspense, derailing for the 14th time the aspirations of McCarthy, who thought he had already won the vote.
Immediately afterwards, McCarthy approached the group of rebel Trumpists and finger signals were exchanged, while the secretary of Congress called for calm.
Throughout the week, this hard core of conservative representatives, who accused McCarthy of colluding with the interests of the establishment, took advantage of the tight Republican majority in the House achieved in the November midterm elections to block the appointment.
They did not reduce the pressure until they obtained significant guarantees, among them the application of a procedure to facilitate the dismissal of the president of the Chamber.
On the menu for the coming months are negotiations to raise the limit of the US public debt, the financing of the federal State and, probably, the release of additional aid for Ukraine.
“It is time to govern responsibly and ensure that we put the interests of American families first,” President Joe Biden said in a statement, who said he was “prepared to work with Republicans.”
In the power of the Lower House, the Republicans promised to launch a series of investigations into Biden’s management of the pandemic or the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
But will they be able to move them forward in the face of the great divisions exposed? Indeed, facing a hostile but disorderly chamber could be to Biden’s advantage if he confirms his intention to run again in 2024, a decision he is due to announce soon.
Without control of both chambers, unlike what happened after his inauguration in 2021, the president cannot aspire to pass big laws. But with the Senate in Democratic hands, neither are the Republicans.
