Jim Jordan fails to secure enough votes in first round of House Speaker election

Jim Jordan, a Republican, has faced opposition within his own party in his bid to become the Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Despite intense lobbying, 20 Republicans refused to vote for him. Jordan has announced that another vote will be held on Wednesday. The House has been without a Speaker since Kevin McCarthy was ousted two weeks ago in a right-wing revolt. Without a leader, the House cannot pass bills or approve emergency aid, including potential assistance for Israel. If Congress does not agree on future spending by November 17, the US government will shut down. Jordan received 200 votes in the first ballot, but he needs 217 votes to secure the Speaker's position. Even the Democratic nominee, Hakeem Jeffries, earned more votes than Jordan, but the Democrats are the minority party in the House. Republicans who did not choose Jordan voted for McCarthy or other candidates. Jordan held meetings with some of the Republicans who voted against him, but it is uncertain if they will change their vote. The second vote is scheduled for Wednesday. Jordan, who is the House Judiciary Committee chairman, initially seemed like an outsider in the race for the speakership. He has served in Congress for 16 years and has been labeled a "legislative terrorist" by former Speaker John Boehner. Some Republicans remain divided and will need to regroup to decide whether to continue supporting Jordan or find another option.