US House adrift as Republicans fight over their next leader

4/10/2023 19:07

        The U.S. House of Representatives was leaderless on Wednesday, after hardline Republicans narrowly won a vote to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a historic move that triggered what will be a lengthy and likely messy battle to find a replacement.
        
        It was the first time that the House has removed a speaker - a position that is second in line to the president after the vice president.
        
        Republicans lawmakers signaled they would need a week to regroup, planning to meet on Tuesday to discuss possible candidates to replace McCarthy - who said he would not run again - with votes on Oct. 11 at the earliest.
        
        The leadership fight is eating into the time lawmakers have to avert a looming partial government shutdown, which would begin on Nov. 18 if Congress fails to pass legislation proving more funding.
        
        "We're in uncharted waters," Republican Representative Byron Donalds told reporters after supporting McCarthy in a vote the speaker lost 216-210.