McCarthy did it: He was elected Chairman of the US House of Representatives. The majority Republican Chamber of Congress can now begin its work. However, this will make things uncomfortable for US President Biden. He hopes for a good cooperation.
US President Joe Biden signaled his willingness to cooperate after Republican Kevin McCarthy was elected as the new speaker of the House of Representatives. "I'm willing to work with Republicans if I can," Democrat Biden said. "It's time to govern responsibly and make sure we put the interests of American families first," he added. The voters "made it clear" that they "expect the Republicans to be just as willing to work with me," emphasized the US President.
After a historic four-day stalemate, McCarthy was elected the new chairman of the US House of Representatives in the 15th ballot on Saturday night. It was the longest election for the so-called Speaker of the House in 160 years - and an embarrassment of historic proportions for the Republicans. The last time an election process lasted longer than the current one dates back to before the American Civil War: in 1856, the members of parliament only agreed after two months and 133 votes.
In the midterms in November, the Republicans won a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. With McCarthy's election, parliamentary work in the newly constituted Chamber of Congress can now begin.
The Republicans are expected to make governing much more difficult for Biden because they can block all reform projects. They can also initiate numerous parliamentary investigations into Biden and his government.
The office of Speaker is the third highest in the United States governmental hierarchy, after the President and Vice President. McCarthy succeeds Democrat Nancy Pelosi in the post.
