"House Republicans Encouraged to Sign Unity Pledge for Speaker Nominee Support"

House Republicans are introducing a new slate of candidates for House speaker, with a candidate forum scheduled for Monday. Nine Republicans are running for the party's nomination, including Tom Emmer, who has received an endorsement from former House speaker Kevin McCarthy. Several candidates have endorsed a unity pledge to support the eventual winner. The competition comes amid ongoing conflicts and the threat of a government shutdown. An internal vote to select a nominee is planned for Tuesday.