UPDATE: Kevin McCarthy , in his first speech after being elected speaker, said, “I hope that one thing is clear after this week: I never give up.” “My father always told me: It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish. We have got to finish strong for the American people.” But he signaled that Republicans would conduct an extensive series of inquiries and investigations. “Let me be clear: We will use the power of the purse and the power of the subpoena to get the job done.” He promised probes of the “origins of Covid and the weaponization of the FBI.” After his own swearing in, at 1:35 AM ET on Saturday, McCarthy gave the oath to all of the members of the 118th Congress. PREVIOUSLY: Kevin McCarthy won the speakership on the 15th House ballot, ending weeklong drama, GOP discord that at times played out on the House floor. Enough of the remaining GOP holdouts to McCarthy voted “present” in the latest roll call to lower the threshold and allow him to secure a … [Read more...] about Kevin McCarthy Finally Secures Speakership In 15th Ballot After Tense Moments Of GOP Infighting On House Floor