A number of significant opponents of Rep. Jim Jordan’s candidacy for Speaker of the House backed him on Monday in the Republican conference, giving him more momentum before Tuesday’s scheduled floor vote.
Two prominent defense hawks from the GOP bloc, who are perhaps the most critical of Jordan, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mike Rogers and Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Ken Calvert, indicated on Monday morning that they would support Jordan on the House floor.
Additionally, Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, another former holdout, and Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri, who labeled Jordan a “non-starter” for speaker last week, declared on Monday that they would also back the Ohio Republican.
In the news: Rep. Matt Gaetz Of Florida: Congress Is Still Working Despite House Speaker Vacancy
“Jim Jordan and I spoke at length again this morning, and he has allayed my concerns about keeping the government open with conservative funding, the need for strong border security, our need for consistent international support in times of war and unrest, as well as the need for stronger protections against the scourge of human trafficking and child exploitation,” Wagner said in a statement. “Jim Jordan is our conference nominee, and I will support his nomination for Speaker on the House floor.”
Jordan still has a long way to go before he is elected speaker.
If every member were to vote, he can afford to lose just four Republicans on the floor because a majority of the entire House must elect a speaker.
Jordan told CNN he will come to the floor for a speaker vote on Tuesday at noon ET.
Jordan stated, “I think the only way to do this, the way the Founders intended, is you have to vote tomorrow,” Jordan said. “We set it for 12 p.m. ET. I feel good about it.”
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