Trump ally McCarthy reelected leader of House GOP

Rep. Kevin McCarthy easily won reelection as House Republican leer Tuesday, a stunning turnaround as entire GOP leership team was rewarded by ir colleagues for reducing Democrats' House vant in vember election.

McCarthy faced opposition to return as mirity leer during closed-door garing under COVID-19 protocols. After a quick vote, he won a standing ovation, according to an aide who spoke on condition of anymity to discuss private session.

During a press conference at Capitol McCarthy told reporters "you all kw, everybody predicted that Republicans would lose 15 to 20 seats. t one incumbent lost."

For 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 most united and energized Republican conference I've been associated with," McCarthy said.

Republicans saw little reason to shake up ir leership after t a single GOP lawmaker  in House lost reelection. . 2 Republican, Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, once seen as a potential rival to McCarthy, won ar term as GOP whip. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., was reelected as chair of conference, and Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., will again le campaign arm, National Republican Congressional Committee.

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

McCarthy gave d to that role ahe, saying that while Republicans as mirity party won't be able to control schedule of bills that come for a vote, y will "run floor."

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

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

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