Thirteen Republican holdouts flip their votes to McCarthy as round 12 yields some surprises

As the vote for who will be Speaker of the House crawled into a fourth day, rumors of a deal being struck between Reps. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Chip Roy (R-Texas) were greatly exaggerated.

While McCarthy, who has over the course of an excruciating dozen votes failed to reach the necessary threshold to become speaker, stated on a Friday GOP conference call that he’s made progress with Roy and others among his detractors, not all of the holdouts have given their blessings on the deal, The Hill reports.

McCarthy instructed reporters to get off the call and urged members to stop leaking details of the tentative agreement to the press.

Nonetheless, a source told the outlet that McCarthy supporter, Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) likened the proposed budget cuts to those of 2011.

As previously agreed to, the Judiciary panel will set up a long-called-for Church-style committee to investigate the FBI’s alleged role in targeting political opponents of the Biden administration.

“It needs to be targeted the right way,” Roy said of his party’s upcoming investigations, according to Politico. “You don’t get many bites at the apple. You’ve got to get it done right.”

So far, no one has been specifically named to lead the panel, but both Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) have been floated as possibilities.

Hearing McCarthy team willing to agree to both the provisions Tucker laid out:

1. Release all files related to January 6 + new Jan 6 Cmte run by GOP

2. Put Thomas Massie in charge of a new Church committee

— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 4, 2023

Also agreed upon are “commitments to move bills through regular order and work on a Texas border bill,” according to The Hill.

In his eagerness to break a big news story, MSNBC News political analyst Jake Sherman proclaimed on Twitter that a deal between Roy and McCarthy had been struck.

Roy stomped out the fake news with a tweet of his own.

“He did not say this. And any agreement will take us ALL,” Roy stated. “We are making progress… but don’t let the sharks confuse the ongoing engagement.”

He did not say this. And any agreement will take us ALL. We are making progress… but don’t let the sharks confuse the ongoing engagement. #Onward #StandUpForAmerica @chiproytx https://t.co/uyOVgq3BmR

— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) January 6, 2023

Another rumor was squashed by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), who said on the call that Roy had not been named chair of the Rules Committee as part of the deal.

The House has descended into chaos as members of the Freedom Caucus and other holdouts steadfastly refuse to throw their support behind McCarthy, whom they argue has failed to put America and the concerns of actual Americans first.

“We’re not making a point,” tweeted outspoken “Never-Kevin” Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). “We’re making a change.”

We’re not making a point.

We’re making a change.

— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) January 5, 2023

**Update:

Despite the negotiations, McCarthy failed to cinch the speakership during round 12 of voting. He did, however, make progress with 13 Republican ‘holdouts’ giving him a nod.

House Speaker Vote

12th Round:McCarthy (R) – 214Jeffries (D) – 211Hern (R) – 3Jordan (R) – 4

Bishop, Brecheen, Cloud, Clyde, Donalds, Gosar, Luna, Miller, Norman, Ogles, Perry, Roy, Self, & Spartz changed their votes to Kevin McCarthy.

— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) January 6, 2023

Rep. Paul Gosar surprised many when he made the switch to McCarthy and his curious demeanor didn’t go unnoticed.

I don’t want to make an assumption from a 10 second clip, but does Gosar appear dejected when flipping his vote to McCarthy? If so, what is this about?pic.twitter.com/A43UdeD9rB

— Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) January 6, 2023

With seven holdouts remaining, McCarthy and Roy, who voted for McCarthy, have more negotiating to do before round 13. Rep. Andy Harris (MD) should be added to the list below if reports are correct.

Let’s show some appreciation for some of the only members of congress who are actually fighting for the American people, and not the Swamp!

They’re risking their future for ours! God Bless them!#SpeakerVote @andybiggs4az@LaurenBoebert@EliCraneAZ@MattGaetz@RepRosendale

— Mario Fratto (@MarioFratto) January 6, 2023

As frustrated as some conservatives are over the McCarthy flips, real change is being made.

I know people are let down that so many of the 20 Patriot holdouts have flipped but I am very proud of them for standing strong against the entirety of the DC Swamp

They won HUGE reforms that will soon be revealed and Kevin will be the weakest Speaker in decades if he wins

— Rogan O’Handley (@DC_Draino) January 6, 2023

BREAKING: 13 Republicans flip their votes to McCarthy in Round 12. He needs 4 more votes to become Speaker.

McCarthy 214Jeffries 211Hern 3Jordan 4

— LifeNews.com (@LifeNewsHQ) January 6, 2023

Among the handful of McCarthy’s critics, Roy has emerged as a voice of determined reason and the most likely to bring the voting to an acceptable end.

“Thanks Congressman for your integrity and commitment,” wrote one user on Twitter. “Even the so-called conservative press [is] maligning the 20 [holdouts]. What they won’t admit you stand for millions of constitutional Americans and we support your stand, sir.”

“Hold the line,” tweeted another. “[McCarthy] must not control the people’s gavel. There will be no accountability with more of the same.”

“Thank you for being one of the few I respect and trust,” replied a third. “Keep fighting for us!”

Thanks Congressman for your integrity and commitment. Even the so called conservative press maligning the 20. What they won’t admit you stand for millions of constitutional Americans and we support your stand sir

— Ed Mc (@ed2right) January 6, 2023

@RepChipRoy Hold the line. @GOPLeader must not control the peoples gavel. There will be no accountability with more of the same. #NeverKevinMcCarthy #NoQuarter https://t.co/7GOfsDLFB5

— CAP (@CitizenCap) January 6, 2023

Thank you for being one of the few I respect and trust. Keep fighting for us!

— ZonaDeb (@ZonaDeb3) January 6, 2023

Republished with permission from American Wire News Service

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Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and PokerDigest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the SierraNevada foothills.

Thirteen Republican holdouts flip their votes to McCarthy as round 12 yields some surprises