The 118th session of the United States Congress officially opened Tuesday with the expected pomp and circumstance, and drama, as the House failed to elect a speaker on the first ballot for the first time since 1923. It failed on the second and third ballots as well, before members adjourned for the day.
Republicans hold a 222-213 after the November election.
Of the six Republicans representing the St. Louis region in the House, only Rep. Mary Miller R-Ill. voted for someone other than Rep. Kevin McCarthy R-Calif, when she chose Rep. Jim Jordan R-Ohio in all three votes.
U.S. Rep. Cori Bush D-Mo. and Rep. Nikki Budzinski D-Ill. each voted for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, as expected. Budzinski is the only newcomer to represent the St. Louis area in Congress. While she can vote in the Speaker's election, the lack of a resolution Tuesday means she hasn't been sworn into office yet.
The uncertainty over the Speaker’s race also delays the naming of committee chairs. Bost is believed to be in line to lead the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, while Rep. Sam Graves R-Mo. has eyed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Rep. Jason Smith R-Mo. is a candidate to lead the House Ways and Means Committee.
Senator Schmitt
In the Senate, with leadership races already decided, things went more smoothly. Vice President Kamala Harris took turns swearing in groups of new and re-elected members, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth D-Ill and Sen. Eric Schmitt R-Mo.
Schmitt, who was succeeded as Missouri's Attorney General earlier Tuesday morning by Andrew Bailey, was joined on the Senate floor by the man he is replacing in the chamber, retiring Sen. Roy Blunt.
The formal ceremony on the floor was followed by a ceremonial swearing-in where members were joined by their families.
“Over the next six years, I will continue to support working families by helping lower everyday costs, create more good-paying local jobs and strengthen our economy at home and with global partners,” Duckworth said in a statement. “I will also work to improve our nation’s infrastructure, secure folks’ access to healthcare including full reproductive rights, reduce and prevent environmental injustices, protect civil rights for all Americans, support our troops and make sure we keep the promises we’ve made to our Veterans.”