State Department Expresses National Security Concerns Over Delays in Choosing New House Speaker

State Department spokesman Ned Price has said the continued absence of a House speaker could have national security implications.
“Well, of course over time those concerns—concerns on the part of the members themselves, or the members-elect themselves—will be compounded,” Price said during a press briefing on Jan. 5.
“The first few days of any congressional term usually is spent on procedural elements like this, but of course, if this continues on, there will be additional concerns,” he added. “I’m sure we will hear additional concerns from the Hill as well.”
House lawmakers began voting for a new speaker on Tuesday, but after 11 rounds no one has secured the required 218 votes to clinch the top House job….}