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USA Time, National City, CA (2025)

06/27/2025

যুক্তরাষ্ট্র ও ইরানের মধ্যে নতুন এক গোপন কূটনৈতিক প্রচেষ্টা চলছে—যেখানে আলোচনায় এসেছে ৩০ বিলিয়ন ডলারের বেসামরিক পারমাণবিক প্রকল্প, নিষেধাজ্ঞা শিথিল, ও আটকে থাকা অর্থ ছাড়ের বিষয়।

এই ভিডিওতে জানুন কিভাবে কাতারের মধ্যস্থতায় ফের আলোচনার টেবিলে ফিরতে পারে ইরান, এবং কি বলছে ট্রাম্প প্রশাসন।

🔔 সাবস্ক্রাইব করুন আরও আপডেট পেতে!
📢 আপনার মতামত দিন কমেন্টে—আপনি কি মনে করেন, এই আলোচনা সফল হবে?

#ইরান #যুক্তরাষ্ট্র #পারমাণবিক_চুক্তি #আন্তর্জাতিক_সংবাদ #ইউএসইরান #বিশ্বরাজনীতি #টপনিউজ

01/18/2025

Supreme Court's Transformation Under Trump: A Legacy of Expanded Presidential Power
USATime ; When Donald Trump first took office, the Supreme Court justices stood on the inaugural stage, watching as the newly sworn-in president declared an end to "American carnage." It marked the beginning of a presidency that would profoundly reshape the judiciary.

Now, as Trump prepares for a second term, the Supreme Court reflects his influence more than ever. With three justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—appointed during his first term, the court's conservative majority has taken decisions that not only solidify Trump’s policies but expand the powers of the presidency itself.

A Court Remade in Trump’s Image
The court’s pivotal rulings have repeatedly aligned with Trump’s agenda. Notable decisions include:

2018 Travel Ban: Upheld restrictions on several Muslim-majority countries.
2022 Roe v. Wade Reversal: Overturned nearly 50 years of federal abortion protections.
2024 Presidential Immunity: Shielded sitting presidents from prosecution for official acts, a precedent likely to protect Trump during his upcoming term.
While Trump’s influence is evident, the court’s justices have demonstrated varying degrees of alignment with him. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have been steadfast supporters, with connections like private meals with Trump and involvement in legal battles over the 2020 election. Conversely, liberal justices such as Sonia Sotomayor have vocally opposed Trump-backed rulings, emphasizing constitutional concerns.

Trump’s Legal Battles and Judicial Strategy
The legal challenges surrounding Trump, including his conviction for falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment, continue to test the judiciary’s limits. Despite a May conviction on 34 counts, the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s appeal to block sentencing.

Trump’s reshaped court, however, remains pivotal to his policies. His appointees, Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, have consistently supported him, evident in dissenting opinions aimed at shielding Trump from legal proceedings. Even so, a slim majority, including Justice Barrett, sided against him in this instance.

Impact Beyond Policy
Trump’s presidency has also highlighted ethical concerns within the judiciary. Relationships between justices and the administration—such as Thomas’s private lunches with Trump or his wife Ginni’s involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election—have fueled public scrutiny. Meanwhile, Chief Justice John Roberts has downplayed declining public trust, attributing criticism to misinformation and intimidation.

What Lies Ahead
As Trump prepares to take office again, his administration has laid the groundwork for an even more expansive view of presidential authority. His legal team, including appointees like D. John Sauer, is expected to advance aggressive policies aligned with his vision.

The upcoming inaugural luncheon will serve as a symbolic moment, bringing justices face-to-face with the president they’ve helped shape—a reflection of the court's pivotal role in enabling Trump’s return to power.

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01/04/2025

NY Judge Rules No Penalties for Trump in Hush Money Case but Upholds Conviction

USATime — A New York judge has ruled that President-elect Donald Trump will face no penalties for his conviction in the hush money case but upheld the conviction itself.

Judge Juan Merchan rejected Trump’s effort to overturn the jury’s verdict, ruling that his reelection could not nullify the conviction. This decision ensures Trump will become the first convicted felon to hold the office of president.

Merchan set sentencing for January 10, just 10 days before Trump's second inauguration, underscoring the ongoing legal issues that have shaped his return to the White House.

In his ruling, Merchan stated that imposing no penalty would bring “finality” to the case while allowing Trump to appeal the conviction. He added that such an appeal would not be urgent since Trump faces no punishment that could interfere with his presidential duties. Merchan also allowed Trump to attend the sentencing virtually, citing concerns over the demands of the transition period.

The judge referenced internal U.S. Justice Department opinions suggesting that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted, but he concluded that those concerns did not justify delaying sentencing.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to his lawyer, Michael Cohen, to cover a $130,000 hush money payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, aimed at suppressing her claims of an affair with Trump before the 2016 election. Trump has denied the affair.

Originally set for sentencing in July, the case was delayed twice due to the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. Trump’s legal team argued that presidential immunity and federal law should prevent further state-level prosecution, but Merchan ruled that the conviction should stand, as the case was not linked to Trump’s official presidential conduct.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg supported the decision to uphold the conviction, stating that dismissing the jury’s verdict would be an extreme and unnecessary measure.

Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the ruling, calling it a violation of the Supreme Court’s immunity decision and vowed to continue challenging the case, emphasizing that Trump should be able to perform his presidential duties unhindered.

01/04/2025

Biden Awards Medal of Honor to Seven US Army Heroes in White House Ceremony

USATime —
President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military recognition for valor, to seven US Army soldiers during a White House ceremony on Friday. This marked Biden's final Medal of Honor presentation as commander in chief.

“These are genuine heroes—different ranks, different positions, even different generations—but all exemplifying extraordinary courage,” Biden said as he recounted their acts of valor.

Six of the soldiers were honored posthumously for their heroism in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The seventh, former Private First Class Kenneth J. David, received his medal in person.

Honorees and Their Acts of Bravery
Pvt. Bruno R. Orig (Korean War)
Orig heroically manned a machine gun under heavy enemy fire, allowing a friendly platoon to withdraw safely. He was later found dead beside his weapon after fending off enemy forces.

Pfc. Wataru Nakamura (Korean War)
Nakamura, a Japanese American who volunteered despite internment during World War II, fought fiercely to defend his platoon, destroying enemy positions before being killed by a gr***de.

Cpl. Fred B. McGee (Korean War)
McGee selflessly stayed behind under intense fire to evacuate wounded soldiers, even after being wounded himself.

Pfc. Charles R. Johnson (Korean War)
Despite being injured, Johnson saved his comrades, fought off enemy forces, and sacrificed himself to protect others during a nighttime assault.

Gen. Richard E. Cavazos (Korean War)
Cavazos led multiple successful assaults on enemy positions, rescued wounded soldiers under fire, and went on to become the Army’s first Hispanic four-star general.

Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. (Vietnam War)
After his helicopter was shot down, Nelson saved his crew by using his own body as a shield, sacrificing his life to protect his comrades.

Pfc. Kenneth J. David (Vietnam War)
David engaged enemy forces to protect his fellow soldiers, drawing fire away from them and helicopters attempting an evacuation. Wounded but undeterred, he continued fighting until all were safe.

A Tribute to Sacrifice and Courage
Biden emphasized the broader significance of the Medal of Honor, urging the nation to honor these sacrifices by upholding the values the recipients fought to protect.

“These heroes remind us of the extraordinary bravery and selflessness that define the best of us. Their stories inspire us to fight for one another and the principles they held dear,” Biden said.

This ceremony stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform, ensuring their legacy is honored and remembered for generations to come.

01/04/2025

Trump Secures Johnson as Speaker Amid Drama, Foreshadowing Challenges for GOP Unity

USATime — President-elect Donald Trump played a decisive role in helping Rep. Mike Johnson retain the speaker’s gavel on Friday, following a tense vote that showcased the deep divisions within the Republican Party.

Facing opposition from two Republican holdouts, Trump personally intervened, calling Reps. Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas. His efforts swayed them to support Johnson, ensuring the Louisiana Republican secured the 218 votes needed to lead the narrowly divided House of Representatives into the 119th Congress.

Trump’s Influence Seals the Deal
From his golf course, Trump urged unity, stressing that Republican cooperation was critical to advancing his legislative agenda. “The message was clear: We need a strong negotiating team to achieve our goals,” said Self, reflecting on Trump’s intervention.

Johnson himself acknowledged Trump’s endorsement as pivotal, calling it “a big factor” in securing the gavel. Trump’s team, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and incoming White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, worked behind the scenes to rally votes.

Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona admitted Trump’s influence was critical: “Without Donald Trump, this vote might have been a different outcome.”

A Key Test for Trump’s Leadership
The dramatic vote highlighted the challenges Trump faces governing a deeply divided Congress. With razor-thin Republican majorities in both chambers, the president-elect will need near-total party unity—or bipartisan support—to pass major legislation.

Recent examples underscore these difficulties. Trump was unable to secure GOP backing for raising the debt ceiling or installing loyalists in key roles, such as his failed bid to make Matt Gaetz attorney general. However, Johnson’s win marked a rare early victory for Trump’s ability to navigate intraparty dynamics.

“It’s going to be a dicey run for this House Republican majority,” said former Rep. Patrick McHenry, who had overseen a prior GOP leadership battle.

Johnson’s Approach: No Major Concessions
Unlike his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, Johnson resisted making significant trade-offs to secure votes. Instead, he emphasized empowering individual lawmakers, avoiding the promise of committee slots or policy guarantees to appease hardliners.

This approach offers Johnson more political flexibility but leaves lingering tensions within the party. A group of 11 conservative lawmakers released a statement after the vote, expressing “sincere reservations” about Johnson’s recent track record.

While Johnson promised reforms, such as creating a working group on government spending, he avoided concessions that could alienate moderates or disrupt his ability to lead effectively.

Challenges Ahead
The GOP’s slim majority leaves little room for error. With the potential departure of key lawmakers to join Trump’s administration, Johnson and Trump will face increasing pressure to maintain party cohesion.

Johnson’s success depended heavily on Trump’s influence, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges. As Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida noted, “This is the beginning. This isn’t the end.”

The vote underscores Trump’s enduring hold on the Republican Party, but it also highlights the complexities of governing in an era of intense partisanship and internal divisions. How Johnson navigates these dynamics will shape not only his speakership but also the broader Republican agenda under Trump’s presidency.

01/04/2025

State Department Proposes $8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

USATime — The U.S. State Department has informed Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms deal with Israel. The notification, sent to the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees, marks a significant arms package intended to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities.

The deal includes advanced weaponry such as AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles designed to counter airborne threats like drones, as well as artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), JDAM tail kits, 500-pound warheads, and FMU-152A/B bomb fuses. A portion of these munitions can be supplied from existing U.S. stockpiles, while the majority will require production, potentially taking one to several years for delivery.

A U.S. official emphasized the sale’s importance for Israel’s security, stating that it aims to resupply critical munitions and enhance air defense systems. “The president has made clear that Israel has the right to defend its citizens in alignment with international law and humanitarian standards,” the official added.

This proposed arms transfer comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the potential misuse of U.S. weapons in ways that may violate international humanitarian law. Last year, the State Department noted that U.S. arms may have been used in Gaza in manners inconsistent with such laws, though it stopped short of declaring outright violations.

The arms deal notification follows accusations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year that the Biden administration had withheld weapons from Israel—claims the administration dismissed as unfounded.

The informal notification process allows Congress to review and raise concerns about the planned sale before formal approval is sought. While the sale is expected to enhance Israel’s defense capabilities, it has sparked debates over U.S. involvement in the region and the humanitarian implications of arming an ally engaged in long-standing conflicts.

01/04/2025

President Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, Bono, Lionel Messi, and More

USATime — President Joe Biden will honor 19 prominent figures with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to American society, global peace, and cultural enrichment. The honorees include luminaries from politics, the arts, sports, philanthropy, and science, reflecting a diverse spectrum of achievements.

Honorees from Politics and Activism
Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential nominee, will receive the medal for her extensive public service and contributions to American diplomacy.
George Soros, renowned philanthropist and advocate for democracy, human rights, and social justice worldwide.
Posthumous awards will honor Robert F. Kennedy, former Attorney General, and George Romney, former Governor of Michigan and father of Sen. Mitt Romney.
Civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer will also be recognized for her trailblazing efforts during the Civil Rights Movement.
Cultural and Entertainment Icons
Bono, U2 frontman, will be honored for his humanitarian work, including efforts to combat AIDS and promote global health.
Actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, alongside fashion designer Ralph Lauren, will be celebrated for their cultural contributions and advocacy.
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi and NBA legend Magic Johnson are among the athletes receiving the award, acknowledging their excellence in sports and philanthropy.
Science and Conservation Leaders
Bill Nye, CEO of the Planetary Society and advocate for climate change solutions, and Jane Goodall, renowned conservationist, are being recognized for their groundbreaking work in science and environmental advocacy.
Other Notable Honorees
Celebrity chef and humanitarian José Andrés, known for his work with World Central Kitchen, which has redefined disaster response through food aid.
Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, a key supporter of the Biden campaign and influential figure in fashion.
Founders and advocates like Tim Gill (LGBT rights), David Rubenstein (philanthropy), and George Stevens Jr. (American Film Institute and Kennedy Center Honors).
A Legacy of Recognition
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, awarded to individuals who embody the nation’s values and make profound contributions to society. Saturday’s ceremony underscores President Biden’s vision of leadership rooted in decency, equity, and progress.

01/04/2025

Jimmy Carter’s Foreign Policy Legacy: A Complex but Underrated Success Story

USATime — Jimmy Carter’s foreign policy, often overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis, deserves greater recognition for its lasting achievements and progressive vision. Early in his presidency, Carter declared human rights a cornerstone of American diplomacy, setting a precedent that diverged sharply from the realpolitik strategies of his predecessors.

A Human Rights Pioneer
In a 1977 commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame, Carter emphasized human rights as a “fundamental tenet” of U.S. foreign policy. This marked a significant shift from the Nixon-Kissinger era, which supported controversial actions like the overthrow of Chile’s Salvador Allende and Argentina’s “Dirty War.” Carter’s advocacy for dissidents like Soviet physicist Andrei Sakharov sent a powerful message of solidarity to those resisting oppressive regimes.

Landmark Achievements
The Panama Canal Treaties:
Carter negotiated treaties returning control of the Panama Canal to Panama, addressing a symbol of U.S. colonialism. Despite significant domestic opposition, Carter secured Senate ratification, reinforcing America’s commitment to justice over imperialism.

The Camp David Accords:
Carter brokered a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, two nations that had fought multiple wars. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to mediate between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin resulted in an enduring peace treaty.

Formalizing U.S.-China Relations:
Carter completed the normalization of diplomatic relations with China, a process initiated by Nixon. This milestone laid the groundwork for what would become one of the world’s largest trade partnerships.

Responding to Soviet Aggression:
Despite his focus on diplomacy, Carter showed resolve by arming Afghan mujahideen following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, setting the stage for a prolonged resistance.

The Iran Hostage Crisis and Its Fallout
Carter’s presidency is often defined by the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran, triggered by the U.S. granting asylum to the Shah of Iran. A failed rescue mission, Operation Eagle Claw, further dented his public image. However, this debacle led to the creation of the Joint Special Operations Command, a critical step in improving U.S. military operations, including the eventual raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

A Balanced Legacy
While Carter’s human rights emphasis faced criticism for its inconsistencies, and the Iran crisis undermined his reelection bid, his achievements were transformative. From fostering peace in the Middle East to redefining U.S. global leadership through diplomacy, Carter’s foreign policy contributions resonate far beyond his term in office.

01/03/2025

Title: Prosecutors Claim 150 Pipe Bombs Found at Virginia Man’s Home in What Could Be FBI’s Largest Seizure of Explosives

USATime — Prosecutors are pushing to keep a Virginia man in custody after the FBI uncovered what could be the largest-ever stash of “finished explosive devices” in its history. The discovery took place at the home of Brad Spafford, located on a 20-acre property near Norfolk.

Spafford was arrested earlier this month on charges related to the possession of an illegal, unregistered short-barrel rifle. During his arrest, FBI bomb technicians executed a search warrant at his property and discovered more than 150 suspected pipe bombs. The bombs, which were x-rayed on-site, were reportedly marked as "lethal."

Authorities claim the explosives were found in a backpack, a detached garage, and some were even preloaded into a wearable vest.

In court filings, prosecutors argue that Spafford should remain behind bars, pointing to disturbing statements he allegedly made. Prosecutors say Spafford had used images of President Joe Biden for target practice, expressed support for political assassinations, and had recently sought sniper-rifle shooting qualifications at a local range. They also note that after the assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Spafford allegedly stated he hoped the shooter "doesn't miss 'Kamala,'" seemingly referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.

The investigation began after Spafford's neighbor reported concerns over his apparent stockpiling of weapons and homemade ammunition. The neighbor also revealed that Spafford had lost three fingers in 2021 while working with a homemade explosive device.

Spafford’s attorneys are asking for his release, highlighting that he’s only facing a single charge for possessing an illegal firearm. They also argue there’s no evidence Spafford used the weapon or has a history of criminal behavior. His legal team further contends that professionally trained explosive experts had to rig the devices to make them explode, suggesting Spafford lacked the expertise to set them off himself.

Additionally, his defense asserts that while Spafford’s comments regarding political figures were ill-advised, such remarks are protected under the First Amendment, and his use of a political leader's image at the shooting range is a common practice.

The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to assess the extent of Spafford's stockpile and any potential threats posed to public safety.

01/03/2025

New Laws Take Effect in 2025, Bringing Changes to Minimum Wage, Medicare Drug Costs, and More
USATime — January 1, 2025, brought in not just the new year but also a series of new laws that will impact Americans across the country. From minimum wage hikes to Medicare drug cost caps, here’s a look at some key changes now in effect.

Minimum Wage Increases Across 21 States
In a significant move, 21 states have raised their minimum wages, offering workers a boost in pay. States like Alaska, Arizona, California, and New York are among those seeing increases, with Washington maintaining the highest state minimum wage at $16.66 per hour.

Delaware will see a notable increase, jumping from $13.25 to $15 per hour. Minnesota, which previously had different minimum wage standards for large and small employers, has standardized the wage at $11.13, marking the largest increase in the country.

In Washington, D.C., the minimum wage remains the highest in the nation at $17.05, following a 45-cent increase in July.

New Hampshire Bans Gender-Affirming Surgery for Minors
A new law in New Hampshire, signed by Republican Governor Chris Sununu, bans gender-affirming surgical procedures for minors. Though rarely performed, the law also allows minors who have undergone such surgeries, as well as their families, to file lawsuits against medical providers involved in the procedure within two years of it happening.

Expanded Abortion Protections in New York
New York’s state constitution now includes expanded abortion protections following voter approval. The amendment ensures that no one can have their rights denied due to pregnancy, reproductive healthcare, or pregnancy outcomes. While this change solidifies protections, abortion remains legal in New York until viability (around 22 to 24 weeks).

Broader Clean Energy Tax Credit
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, a broader clean energy tax credit is now in effect. The credit helps businesses invest in and produce energy from sources that do not contribute to climate change, such as wind, solar, hydropower, and geothermal. This provision encourages the use of clean energy systems with no greenhouse gas emissions, expanding opportunities for cleaner energy production.

New Cap on Out-of-Pocket Medicare Drug Costs
Medicare enrollees will now pay a maximum of $2,000 annually for prescription drug costs as part of a key provision of the Inflation Reduction Act. This cap applies to both in-store pharmacy and mail-order prescriptions covered by Medicare Part D. Before this law, there was no limit to out-of-pocket drug expenses for Medicare recipients, offering seniors much-needed relief in their healthcare costs.

01/03/2025

FBI Releases New Leads in Search for DC Pipe Bomber After Four Years
USATime — Four years after the discovery of two pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on the eve of the Capitol riots, the FBI remains in search of the person responsible. Investigators hope shifting loyalties or relationships may prompt new leads.

Despite extensive efforts, including over 1,000 interviews, a $500,000 reward, and thousands of hours of video analysis, the individual who planted the bombs on January 5, 2021, remains unidentified. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage wearing a hoodie, facemask, and gloves, making identification difficult.

New Evidence Released
On Thursday, the FBI released additional video footage of the suspect, offering a new perspective on their movements and behavior near both bomb locations. One clip shows the suspect stopping on a residential street to adjust their backpack and put on glasses, while another reveals them placing a bomb under a bench at the DNC.

The suspect is estimated to be 5 feet 7 inches tall and was wearing distinctive black-and-gray Nike Air Max sneakers, a detail investigators hope could jog someone’s memory.

“Tips from the public have been helpful, but we’re still working to identify the suspect,” said David Sundberg, head of the FBI's Washington, D.C., field office. “Maybe allegiances or relationships have shifted since 2021, and it’s time to come forward.”

Viable Threats and Missed Timing
The bombs, discovered on January 6, 2021, were confirmed as viable by the FBI. Then Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was reportedly within 20 feet of the device at the DNC headquarters. The discovery of the bombs diverted law enforcement resources during the Capitol riots, which resulted in over 1,500 arrests and nearly 600 charges for assaulting officers.

Despite the widespread availability of surveillance cameras in the area, inconsistencies in footage quality and the suspect's deliberate disguise have hampered the investigation.

Commitment to Justice
Sundberg emphasized the FBI’s dedication to solving the case. “The FBI has a long memory and a long reach. We will work this case to its logical conclusion.”

The agency continues to offer a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.

01/03/2025

High-Stakes Speaker Vote Looms as 119th Congress Begins
USATime — The 119th Congress is set to convene on Friday, marking the start of a Republican-controlled House and a crucial battle over who will secure the speakership. GOP Rep. Mike Johnson, backed by President-elect Donald Trump, is striving to retain the gavel, but with one of the narrowest House majorities in nearly a century, his path is fraught with challenges.

Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote if all lawmakers participate. Already, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has declared he won’t support Johnson, and around a dozen Republicans remain noncommittal.

Adding to the tension is the looming deadline of January 6, when Congress must finalize presidential election results. A delay in electing a speaker by then could plunge the legislative process into uncharted territory.

How Many Votes Johnson Needs
To become speaker, a candidate must win a majority of votes cast. With 434 voting members expected (due to a vacancy from former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz), the magic number is 218. However, absences or “present” votes can lower the threshold, giving Johnson some flexibility.

The Speaker Election Process
The first task for the new Congress, even before members are sworn in, is to elect a speaker. Candidates are nominated by party leaders—Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan will nominate Johnson, while Rep. Pete Aguilar of California will nominate Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Members may also nominate others or abstain by voting “present.”

Voting will proceed in rounds, with each member announcing their choice. If no candidate wins a majority, the process continues until a speaker is elected. In 2023, Kevin McCarthy required 15 rounds of voting to secure the position.

Potential Scenarios
If all Democrats vote for Jeffries, Johnson can only afford a few GOP defections, depending on the combination of “present” votes and support for other candidates. GOP leaders may call for breaks to strategize if Johnson fails to secure the votes in early rounds.

What If There’s No Speaker?
Without a speaker, the House cannot conduct any business other than voting to elect one, recessing, or adjourning. This could jeopardize Trump’s election certification, as there would be no speaker to guide the process.

Some experts suggest the possibility of electing a temporary speaker to manage the certification or delaying the process altogether. However, the Constitution mandates that the current presidential term ends on January 20, leaving little room for delays.

As Johnson’s allies push for a quick resolution, the outcome of this high-stakes vote will set the tone for the new Congress and its ability to navigate critical issues in the months ahead.

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