Reports are emerging that a deal is being struck between Representative Kevin McCarthy (D-California) and the group of lawmakers who have prevented him from gaining control of the gavel in the House of Representatives. This comes as McCarthy prepares for his astounding eleventh attempt to be elected House Speaker.
According to Punchbowl News, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina), who is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and represents the state of South Carolina, stated on Thursday that there is a written agreement that he has been requested to study.
According to the news agency, the cease-fire was apparently brokered by anti-McCarthy Representative Chip Roy of Texas and pro-McCarthy Representative Patrick McHenry of Virginia.
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According to reports, the agreement is currently being analyzed at the office of House GOP whip Rep. Tim Emmer (R-Minn), which is also the location where Republican lawmakers from both factions got together yesterday evening for pizza before deciding to adjourn the meeting.
Reportedly, a source close to McCarthy acknowledged to Reuters that a deal is on the table, but that it won’t bring him over the vote threshold required for him to be elected speaker of the House. Reuters reported this information.
According to sources who spoke with Reuters, this may potentially give McCarthy an additional 10–12 votes from holdouts.
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According to NBC News, the arrangement that is reportedly coming together is “phase 1” of a plan to generate steam for McCarthy, and it will allow him to convert some anti-McCarthy lawmakers.
The members of the House of Representatives are currently on their 11th ballot in just over 48 hours for speaker, and there appears to be little momentum being made toward an agreement to support McCarthy until the report on Thursday evening.
Rep.-elect Ken Buck of Colorado, who is a supporter of McCarthy, has withdrawn his name from consideration in order to attend a doctor’s appointment. As a result, the House Republican Leader now has less votes, 200, than he began the day with, 201. Since 1839, there has not been a single speaker election that required 11 ballots.
