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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) reacts following the passage of spending legislation to avert a government shutdown, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, on Dec. 20, 2024.
GZERO North

Speaker showdown could delay election certification and more

Congress reconvenes on Friday, with new and returning lawmakers meeting for the first time amid transitional planning for the incoming Trump administration, arrangements for the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, and Mike Johnson’s maneuvering to return as speaker.

​House Speaker Mike Johnson
News

Johnson avoids government shutdown, sidesteps Trump’s demands

Congressional leaders worked through the weekend to reach a deal to fund the government through December. Sunday’s decision is a small triumph for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who convinced fellow Republicans that shutting down the government 40 days before a tight election would be “political malpractice.”

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer
Politics

House Republicans will vote yet again

For three weeks, the US House of Representatives has failed to function as Republicans fight over who should serve as speaker.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) presides over the House Judiciary Committee
What We're Watching

Speaker race: Jordan might get there

As the week began, it seemed unlikely Jim Jordan of Ohio, the Republican nominee for Speaker of the House, could win the near unanimous support within his party he needed to win the job. But on Monday, his fortunes appeared to shift.

​Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters after departing from a GOP caucus meeting working to formally elect a new speaker of the House.
News

Speaker snafu hobbles House

The US House of Representatives has now gone 14 days without an elected speaker. After Republican Steve Scalise of Louisiana abandoned his bid due to lack of support, Jim Jordan of Ohio became the second Republican nominated in the past week to run for House speaker, beating Rep. Austin Scott, of Georgia, in a closed-door vote on Friday. Democrats, meanwhile, support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, of New York.

A collage showing the US Capitol, former US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz.
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Washington chaos rings alarm bells in Ukraine and Europe

You’ve heard the news. Rebel Republicans and unsympathetic Democrats ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his job yesterday. That post is now officially “vacant.” For now, Patrick McHenry (R-NC) holds the post of Speaker Pro Tempore to ensure there’s someone there to keep the lights on and the process moving toward the election of a new speaker.

Ousted U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
US & Canada

McCarthy is ousted as House speaker. What comes next?

After just nine months on the job, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was booted on Tuesday when Democrats joined eight Republicans in backing a vote calling for his ouster. Crucially, the vote was brought by the right flank of McCarthy’s party.

U.S. House Speaker McCarthy talks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
News

Debt ceiling deal comes down to the wire

Debt ceiling showdown deal comes down to the wire.

DeSantis' 2024 strategy: dominate the internet
US Politics In 60 Seconds

DeSantis' 2024 strategy: dominate the internet

Is Ron DeSantis too online? Jon Lieber, head of Eurasia Group's coverage of political and policy developments in Washington, DC shares his perspective on US politics.

Five concessions McCarthy made to become House speaker
US Politics In 60 Seconds

Five concessions McCarthy made to become House speaker

What did Kevin McCarthy have to promise to become the Speaker of the House? Jon Lieber, head of Eurasia Group's coverage of political and policy developments in Washington, DC shares his perspective on US politics: