The House of Representatives has moved into its third week without a speaker, and Democrats are calling for a bipartisan solution in order to elect someone to the position so that legislation can be brought to the floor. Democrats including Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) have provided statements concerning the idea.
Rep. Moskowitz said that he was in favor of a deal that would empower Pro-Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) for a temporary amount of time in order to pass Israel and Ukraine funding, as well as provide funding for the government as a shutdown looms.
Rep. Moskowitz (D-FL) says he’s in favor of a deal to empower Rep. McHenry (R-NC) as acting Speaker:
“It's gonna have to be a bipartisan path forward, should Democrats empower the Pro-Temp, and all of a sudden we go back to the way it was and that deal is gonna fall apart.” pic.twitter.com/4tc2suU0M5
— The Recount (@therecount) October 19, 2023
“There is a bipartisan deal to empower the Pro-Tem, which I’m in favor of. I want to see the details of course, first, but I’m in favor of to get the House open to pass an Israel package, to aid Ukraine, to do the people’s work here in the United States Congress. It’s going to have to be a bipartisan path forward should Democrats empower the Pro-Tem and all of a sudden we go back to the way it was and that deal is going to fall apart,” said Rep. Moskowitz.
He would go on to say that “Republicans voted for this.”
“All the Republicans voted for this rule to give one person the ability to vacate the chair, all the Democrats voted against that. And so, this is based on rules that Republicans passed by empowering, unfortunately, the most extreme of their members. But the good news is, there are enough moderate Republicans, enough Democrats to work together to try to reopen the House and do the people’s business. And if we can get that done, in short order, the last 16 days will be forgotten,” said Moskowitz.
Similarly, Rep. Frankel echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s time for a bipartisan path forward.”
It's been 17 days, and House Republicans are still in chaos. No progress, no plan, and no end in sight as we face a looming government shutdown and crises in Israel & Ukraine. @HouseDemocrats are still ready for a bipartisan path forward so we can deliver for American families! pic.twitter.com/3oVw958dKm
— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) October 20, 2023
“It's been 17 days, and House Republicans are still in chaos. No progress, no plan, and no end in sight as we face a looming government shutdown and crises in Israel & Ukraine. HouseDemocrats are still ready for a bipartisan path forward so we can deliver for American families!” said Rep. Frankel.
On Friday, the Republican Conference voted to remove Jim Jordan as the Speaker-Designate.
This is a developing story.
