[News Terms] The 'Freedom Caucus' That Paralyzed the US House for the First Time in 164 Years

House Speaker Fails to Be Elected for Fourth Day
McCarthy's Troubled History Continues Since 2015

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. House of Representatives has faced a leadership vacuum for the fourth consecutive day after failing to elect a Speaker despite 13 rounds of voting. The 'Freedom Caucus,' known as the central force behind the Speaker vacancy that has resumed for the first time in 164 years, has emerged as a major point of interest not only in the United States but also in the international community.

According to CNN on the 6th (local time), the House of Representatives conducted 13 votes over four days to elect a Speaker but ultimately failed to confirm one. A candidate must secure a majority of at least 218 votes to be elected Speaker, but no candidate reached this threshold, resulting in the continued leadership vacuum in the House.

Kevin McCarthy, the Republican House Majority Leader and a leading candidate for Speaker from the Republican Party, has so far received a maximum of 214 votes. Contrary to expectations that he would be easily elected given the Republican majority of 222 seats in the House, members of the Freedom Caucus, known as a hardline far-right faction within the Republican Party, have opposed him, preventing his election as Speaker.

The Freedom Caucus, which is holding back Majority Leader McCarthy, was originally a small group within the Republican Party formed in 2015. Representing hardline conservative voters, they were organized with the purpose of emphasizing freedom and reviving the founding spirit of the United States, initially formed around nine members of Congress.

As their name suggests, the Freedom Caucus prioritizes freedom and aims to revive the founding spirit of the United States. The caucus mainly consists of far-right lawmakers who advocate for a small government. Founded in 2015 by nine members including Representative Jordan, it is currently known to have 54 members.

They oppose Majority Leader McCarthy’s election as Speaker on the grounds that he has compromised too much with the Democratic Party. They are reportedly making excessive demands, such as easing the rules for no-confidence votes against the Speaker, strengthening southern border security legislation, and tightening budget spending requirements.

The New York Times (NYT) criticized them for prolonging the congressional leadership vacuum, voicing dissatisfaction with Majority Leader McCarthy, pushing through their demands, and strengthening their position within the party.

Within and outside U.S. politics, there is already an assessment that they have achieved some of their goals. After McCarthy lost the sixth vote, he personally agreed to more of their demands. The NYT pointed out concerns about potential side effects, such as the weakening of the Speaker’s authority in the future.