LATEST: House Democratic leaders issued a statement as the eighth round of voting began insisting that House Democrats will remain in Washington 'for as long as it takes' to resolve the speaker election.
After House Clerk Cheryl Johnson declared that a quorum is present, she delivered a brief reminder to members-elect that because the House has not yet organized, the clerk has the responsibility to"preserve order and decorum" in the chamber.
Rep.-elect John James, a Michigan Republican, then rose to deliver remarks nominating McCarthy, saying there is"far more that unites us than divides us, regardless of our political party and ideology." "We're still stuck at the starting block," he said."The American people have told us by putting a Republican majority here that they want Republicans to lead and they want a government that works and doesn't embarrass them, and we are failing on both missions. That must change today.""You don't fire a guy who is winning," he said. James concluded his remarks to applause from McCarthy's supporters.
The California Democrat praised Jeffries for his efforts to protect the right to vote, and said the House needs a leader who"believes in strengthening democracy, who understands that to cast a vote is a sacred responsibility that should be afforded to the many."
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