What not having a speaker means for Congress’s response to Hamas

The decision to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from his role as speaker of the House may have significantly limited the House’s ability to respond to international crises like Hamas’s attack on Israel.

McCarthy was removed from office on Tuesday, leaving the House of Representatives without a leader while others compete for his role. Rep. Patrick McHenry, the current speaker pro tempore, will act in McCarthy’s place until someone can replace them. That may make Congress’s ability to step up and provide aid to Israel significantly weaker since it isn’t clear when McHenry will be able to usher in McCarthy’s replacement, which should slow down Congress’ ability to pass anything of substance when it comes to providing support to Israel in the wake of the surprise Hamas attack on Saturday.

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The Speaker pro tempore’s powers are limited by House Rules, which state that they “may exercise such authorities of the Office of Speaker as may be necessary and appropriate” toward the appointment of McCarthy’s replacement. Anything else is considered beyond the role of the office, according to some legal scholars. This makes it imminently difficult for McHenry to introduce or enact a vote on the floor for any related policy matters, including discussions of funding or support for Israel. It may be possible for a resolution to be introduced, but it is unclear otherwise.

President Joe Biden, meanwhile, may be able to provide more direct assistance.

“The United States unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, and I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel,” Biden said in a statement on Saturday. “Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”

Israeli Defense Forces reported they are currently in conflict in 22 locations. At least 200 residents have been killed, and 1,100 have been wounded as of 2 p.m. EST.

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Iran was not involved in the attack but is a known sponsor of Hamas, and it’s suspected the terrorist group controlling the Gaza Strip benefitted from Iranian funding and intelligence.

McCarthy was removed this week after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) organized a vote in partnership with House Democrats to remove the California Republican. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan are now pursuing the role. It’s unclear when a vote will be hosted to elect either to the role, although insiders expect the process to take weeks.