It has been nearly two weeks since the GOP's in-fighting led to the ousting of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House, just days since their first pick to replace McCarthy withdrew, and mere hours since they made their latest selection.

We have endured weeks of all-out chaos that should have been used for progress in our communities on issues like infrastructure, the environment, housing security, supporting our veterans and developing good-paying jobs.

Instead, the chaos caucus manufactured a new crisis and opted first to nominate someone who self-identifies with former grand wizard of the KKK, "David Duke, without the baggage" for Speaker of the House.

It goes without saying that Scalise is a deeply problematic figure: His willingness to align with antisemitic white nationalists; his record on abortion, climate change, and civil liberties; his A+ rating from the NRA; and his vote to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

This was the Republicans' first choice. The second?

After Scalise pulled out, House Republicans conferred with at least two potential candidates — Ohio's Rep. Jim Jordan and Georgia's Austin Scott. Their caucus has since moved forward with Rep. Jordan as their speaker-designate.

You may recall Rep. Jim Jordan from his emphatic objections to the results of the 2020 election and his false assertions that the election had been "stolen."

As they continue to scramble to tidy up their mess, I am eager to get back to work for Washingtonians and the rest of the country. We do not have time to waste on this, we must solidify a government spending bill and return to the critical issues plaguing our communities.

But, if the last two weeks are any indicator: everything may change in an instant. I will keep you posted as things unfold.

More soon,

Rick