Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Election of House Speaker McCarthy

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the election of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during the 118th Congress.

“For the first time in 100 years, the House of Representatives has been unable to organize for multiple days due to the inability of House Republicans to form a union and govern,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Over these past few days, Kevin McCarthy has shown all of us that he is a selfish leader, only concerned with himself and not the American people.

"I was especially proud to stand united with my Democratic colleagues to vote in support of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has made history to become the first African American to ever helm a party in Congress. As we move forward with the official start of the 118th Congress, House Democrats are ready, willing, and able to get to work on behalf of the American people. But it has been made obvious that we do not have a partner on the other side of the aisle because the Republican Conference has been taken over by Extreme MAGAites who have been allowed to play political games at the risk of families around the nation.

“The American people deserve a Congress that works and delivers for them, not one that is mired in endless chaos, confusion, and crisis. Democrats are stronger and more united than ever, and we are ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead in this new year.”