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All eyes on today’s speaker vote

The CEO of the American Soybean Association says the group is monitoring today’s vote to select a new speaker of the U.S. House. 

Steve Censky tells Brownfield U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio has been working to shore up support as he heads into today’s speaker vote, and the Congressman has told House Ag Committee members and others who represent rural areas that he understands the need for a farm bill.  “If selected, he does have those leadership responsibilities,” he says.  “And evidently, at least from the media reports, he’s been giving some strong assurances about understanding the need for a farm bill and letting the House Ag committee and others work their process.”

But, Censky says it doesn’t come without some concern.  “He’s voted against every farm bill,” he says. “He’s not been in favor of biofuels policy. He’s been a member and founder of the Freedom Caucus, which has proposed some significant cuts to not only Title I, but crop insurance and other programs.”

When asked if he thought the House would have a new speaker by the end of the day, Censky said “I don’t think I’m going to wager on that.” He says Congressman Jordan does have some momentum.  “He’s been picking up some support over the weekend,” he says. “And so, we’ll just have to see.”

If all Democrats vote against Jordan, which is expected, the Congressman will need 217 votes from Republicans to become House speaker. 

AUDIO: American Soybean Association CEO Steve Censky