'Small but persistent group of Republicans' reject Scalise leaving GOP 'frustrated': report

More than a week after ex-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from the seat by his congressional colleagues, Republican members nominated House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) to replace the California lawmaker Wednesday.

However, according to an exclusive Axios report, "a small but persistent group of Republicans refuses to throw their support behind" the Louisiana congressman, delaying the vote for a permanent speaker.

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Despite some GOP lawmakers' hope "to hold a floor vote on Wednesday afternoon," Axios reports House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) said in a notice to members, "Members are advised that House Republicans are planning to adjourn and votes are no longer expected in the House today."

The news outlet notes members are "scheduled to reconvene at noon tomorrow – though there's no guarantee the speaker vote will happen then."

Axios asked U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) whether his GOP colleagues "need to lock themselves in a room until the matter is resolved," to which the "frustrated " lawmaker replied, "I would like … to have the power to lock some people in some places, for sure."

The Louisiana congressman won the nomination for the role in a 113-99 vote, but can't officially secure the speaker seat until he secures 217 votes.

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One Republican lawmaker told Axios "Scalise doesn't yet have 217. And [may] never have 217 votes … I think there are 5 or 6 'never' Scalise — but most others are all playing the same game to get a deal."

Axios' full report is available at this link.