What Can the House Do Without a Speaker?

The conservative revolt that brought down the Republican leader of the House of Representatives has left the lower chamber of the US Congress in a state of paralysis. With the government due to run out of funding (again) on Nov. 18, and major issues like support for Ukraine in flux, Republicans can accomplish little until they choose a new House speaker.

The speaker of the House of Representatives is sanctified by the US Constitution, where it’s the first position named, even before the presidency. The speaker is second in line to the White House, after the vice president. One reason the speaker is so important: Since the House is seen as the chamber most directly in touch with the people, the Constitution vests it with the authority to originate all bills that raise revenue. In practice, that means the House originates all spending bills.