U.S. House

Republican Tom Emmer abruptly abandoned his bid to become House speaker Tuesday, withdrawing hours after winning the internal party nomination once it became clear he would not have enough support from GOP colleagues for the gavel.

Jordan was opposed by 22 Republican detractors, two more than when he lost in the first round voting the day before.

Republicans on Wednesday nominated Rep. Steve Scalise to be the next House speaker and will now try to unite around the conservative in a floor vote to elect him after ousting Rep. Kevin McCarthy from the post.

Some Republicans believe it was a mistake for a small portion of the party, and all Democrats, to support a motion to remove Kevin McCarthy as House speaker.

“Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District," Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. "He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!"

McCarthy told lawmakers Tuesday evening he would not run again for speaker, putting the gavel up for grabs.

The rushed package drops aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases federal disaster assistance by $16 billion.

Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman acknowledged triggering a fire alarm Saturday in one of the U.S. Capitol office buildings as lawmakers scrambled to pass a bill to fund the government before the midnight shutdown deadline.