Republicans’ dysfunction over speaker threatens the health of US government

Election spectacle shows any speaker will face significant hurdles in trying to advance legislation, including must-pass bills

The House Republican leader, Kevin McCarthy, began the first week of the 118th Congress striking a defiant tone, insisting he would not abandon his quest for the speakership until he was declared the winner.

I have the record for the longest speech ever on the floor," McCarthy said on Tuesday. I don't have a problem getting a record for the most votes for speaker, too."