House reconvenes for 14th attempt to nominate a speaker

Republican is hopeful that deal with far-right detractors could award Kevin McCarthy the speaker title while House business remains paralyzed

The US House of Representatives reconvened late on Friday night for its 14th attempt to nominate a speaker, as the House Republican leader, Kevin McCarthy, came within striking distance of winning his bid after four days of a grinding intra-party showdown.

McCarthy gained much-needed momentum on Friday after 15 far-right holdouts dropped their opposition and voted for him, when the embattled Republican gave his support to a proposal that would undermine his own power while giving the far-right flank more influence over the legislative process, including the ability to more easily remove a speaker.