The first round of voting in the speaker's election is still ongoing, with Mike Johnson currently on track to lose. Members of the House continue to engage in conversations on the floor as the voting process has not been officially closed.
Due to the lack of formal rules governing the new House, House GOP leadership is utilizing this extended voting period to engage with undecided members and attempt to sway their votes. Typically, a brief recess could be initiated to allow for such discussions, but this option is currently unavailable.
In the absence of formal rules, the only way to take a formal break would be for the entire chamber to vote to adjourn, a more complex process compared to simply extending the current voting period.
This strategic move by House GOP leadership highlights the importance of securing support from all members in the speaker's election. The ongoing discussions and side conversations on the floor indicate the intense negotiations taking place behind the scenes as both sides seek to rally support for their respective candidates.
