"House GOP Divided: Chaos Looms in Speaker Search as McCarthy Considers Return"

House GOP is split as they prepare for a key meeting in the speaker race. Former speaker Kevin McCarthy faces an uphill battle in winning back favor from the hardliners who ousted him, as his conservative critics support Rep. Jim Jordan in a two-man race against Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Some Republicans are using the crisis in Israel to argue for McCarthy's return, while others are considering alternative candidates. The GOP conference will vote by secret ballot on Wednesday, but it remains uncertain if Scalise or Jordan can secure the 218 votes needed on the floor. McCarthy emphasizes the House's inability to take legislative action without a speaker, while some Republicans express concerns about a weakened House and the need for immediate leadership.