By Raul Castillo
05 Oct 2023, 18:34 PM EDT
US Congressman Steve Scalise announced his candidacy to lead the House of Representatives. In a statement in which he reviewed his record as a congressman, he shared his intention to replace Kevin McCarthy, following his historic ouster last Tuesday.
In this way, Scalise, 57, became the second congressman to run to lead the House of Representatives, after fellow Republican Jim Jordan.
Scalise is the favorite within the Republican Party to become the new leader of the House, Republican sources told The New York Times. According to the media publication, Scalise is more conservative than McCarthy, and is already seeking the support of influential congressmen.
Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, a Republican disciplinary official, has endorsed Scalise and is seeking the No. 2 majority seat, according to sources.
Matt Gaetz, who led the effort to unseat McCarthy, is one of the supporters that Scalise can already boast of. After Tuesday’s vote, Gaetz said Scalise is “the kind of person I see myself supporting.”
However, he also has some critics who already oppose his eventual election. A member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus told NBC News that Scalise would be no different than McCarthy as president.
Present your agenda
In the statement, Scalise expressed his deep concern about the current direction of the country under the leadership of President Joe Biden and emphasized his commitment to the future of the United States and generations to come.
Scalise noted that the current administration has brought the country “to the brink” with problems such as growing debt, an open border, dwindling energy supplies and rising crime. He emphasized that Americans face difficulties in meeting daily expenses and that the American dream seems increasingly unattainable for many.
The congressman also addressed the lack of accountability for important decisions, such as the surrender in Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American soldiers. Amid these challenges, Scalise recalled the importance of unity and the shared mission of the Conference.
Scalise underscored his leadership style, highlighting his record of bringing together diverse points of view within the Conference to achieve consensus at times when others thought it was impossible. He cited his previous accomplishments as majority leader, where he pledged to translate the conservative agenda into legislative action and facilitate a legislative process based on regular order and member input.
The congressman highlighted his successes in passing important bills, such as the Lower Energy Costs Act and the Border Security Act. He assured that he will listen to the voice of parents in the education of their children through the Parents’ Bill of Rights.
Scalise urged the Conference to keep pace and continue critical oversight of the current administration, as well as advance individual appropriations bills in an open and transparent manner.
He also emphasized the need to stay united and work to achieve conservative victories in the Senate and in the White House, taking advantage of the upcoming elections.
Keep reading:
- Republican Jim Jordan announced that he will run for speaker of the House of Representatives to succeed McCarthy
- Members of the House of Representatives negotiate bipartisan agreements after the impeachment of Kevin McCarthy
- Acting Speaker of the House evicts Nancy Pelosi from her private office in the Capitol