Confusion reigned on Capitol Hill on Thursday morning as Speaker of the House nominee Steve Scalise struggled to win enough votes to secure an overall majority in the chamber.
He defeated hardliner Jim Jordan in a private vote on Wednesday.
Mr Scalise, 58, must now work to unite the divided Republicans and secure their backing in a full House vote.
Republicans hold a slim majority, meaning he can only afford to lose the support of five party members.
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