McClellan Statement on Jordan’s Failed Speaker Vote
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after House Republicans failed to elect a Speaker:
“From day one of the 118th Congress, House Republicans have been plagued by chaos and dysfunction. They took four days and fifteen rounds to elect Kevin McCarthy as Speaker; brought our nation to the brink of a devastating default on our national debt; barreled us towards a government shutdown; and then ousted McCarthy as Speaker – a first in our nation’s history.
“Today, they once again demonstrated their inability to govern by nominating and then failing to elect Jim Jordan as the next Speaker. While his nomination failed, it is deeply concerning that 200 Republicans voted for Jordan to lead their party. He is a founding member of the Chaos Caucus and continues to deny President Biden and Vice President Harris’ victory in 2020. He was a co-conspirator in the January 6th insurrection and attempt to overturn the presidential election results. He has failed to pass a single bill in his 16 years as a member of the House, yet supports an extreme national abortion ban with no exemptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother. He is a conspiracy theorist who has espoused talking points associated with the Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory in official government hearings. He is also accused of covering up rampant sexual abuse at Ohio State University.
“Jim Jordan has no business serving as the 56th Speaker of the House and second in line to the presidency.
“While Republicans continue their infighting, House Democrats stand united in our commitment to serving the American people and in support of Hakeem Jeffries. As the newest member of the 118th Congress, I was proud to finally cast my vote for him today. We remain ready and willing to reach across the aisle to find a bipartisan path forward, so we can get back to the business of governing. I urge my Republican colleagues to stop the partisan politics and prioritize the interests of the American people over their own party.”