In the early hours of Saturday morning, Hakeem Jeffries ascended the podium for his first remarks in his new role as House Democratic leader.
Jeffries introduced himself as the highest-ranking Democrat in the chamber after thanking his colleagues and paying homage to Pelosi. He acknowledged that the new Republican majority meant the House was at a fork in the road and that his party would work to extend their hand of partnership across the aisle.
McCarthy had a bit of fun when Jeffries gave him the gavel.
He said that he wanted to make clear that the principles would never be compromised.
House Democrats will put American values over autocracy. There is cowardice over bigotry. The code is covered by the constitution.
.@RepJeffries: "We will never compromise our principles...House Democrats will always put American values over autocracy...the Constitution over the cult...Governing over gaslighting...Justice over judicial... overreach....Maturity over Mar-a-Lago...Reason over racism." pic.twitter.com/CgyvyoLc3l
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 7, 2023
Jeffries entire speech can be watched.
McCarthy stood near the side of the podium.
Hakeem Jeffries spoke in the House.
It took four days and 15 rounds of voting for McCarthy to get the votes he needed to win. McCarthy met with his detractors to figure out how to get their support after being rejected.
Six of McCarthy's opponents voted "present" in the end. When a majority of House members vote for a candidate, the speaker becomes the speaker. McCarthy was able to win with 216 votes because of the "present" votes.
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