Trump ally McCarthy reelected leader of House GOP

Rep. Kevin McCarthy easily won reelection as House Republican leader Tuesday, a stunning turnaround as the entire GOP leadership team was rewarded by their colleagues for reducing the Democrats' House advantage in the November election.

McCarthy faced no opposition to return as minority leader during the closed-door gathering under COVID-19 protocols. After a quick vote, he won a standing ovation, according to an aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private session.

During a press conference at the Capitol McCarthy told reporters "you all know, everybody predicted that the Republicans would lose 15 to 20 seats. Not one incumbent lost."

For the California Republican, it cements his role as a political survivor who brushed back naysayers and parlayed an alliance with President Donald Trump to revive his path to one day possibly becoming House speaker.

"I can say without a doubt that this is the most united and energized Republican conference I've been associated with," McCarthy said.

Republicans saw little reason to shake up their leadership after not a single GOP lawmaker  in the House lost reelection. The No. 2 Republican, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, once seen as a potential rival to McCarthy, won another term as GOP whip. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., was reelected as chair of the conference, and Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., will again lead the campaign arm, the National Republican Congressional Committee.

With the chamber poised to be more narrowly split, so far 219-204, with about a dozen races still undecided, House Republicans could see their currency rise in President-elect Joe Biden's administration if they steer votes to pass or block legislation.

McCarthy gave nod to that role ahead, saying that while Republicans as the minority party won't be able to control the schedule of bills that come for a vote, they will "run the floor."

At the press conference McCarthy was asked about President Trump's call for troop withdrawal from the Middle East.

Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said Tuesday the U.S. will reduce troop levels in Iraq and Afghanistan by mid-January, asserting that the decision fulfills President Trump's pledge to bring forces home from America's long wars even as Republicans and U.S. allies warn of the dangers of withdrawing before conditions are right.

"This is something that the president had planned to do. I think at the end of the time, you'll still see a number of American troops there for security, McCarthy said.