House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul Blasts ‘Embarrassing’ Speaker Battle: ‘This Is So Dangerous What We’re Doing’

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, warned on Sunday that it's "dangerous" for the House to go three weeks without a speaker amid unfolding global crisis, and he has no idea when there could actually be one.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair joined Jonathan Karl on ABC's This Week and called the chaotic battle to find a new speaker "probably one of the most embarrassing things" he's seen during his 10 terms in Congress.

"If we don't have a speaker of the House, we can't govern," McCaul said, noting even a resolution he introduced condemning Hamas' attack on Israel remains in limbo.

"It's too dangerous right now," he added. "The world's on fire. This is so dangerous what we're doing. And, most importantly, it's embarrassing because it empowers and emboldens our adversaries."

Republicans have been unable to find an acceptable replacement since then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ouster on Nov. 3 from his leadership position. Eight Republicans, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., joined all House Democrats to remove McCarthy.

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., briefly held the role of speaker designee, followed by Trump-endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. Both failed to reach the needed 217 votes.

Nine Republicans have since raised their hand to seek the speakership: Reps. Jack Bergman, Mich.; Byron Donalds, Fla.; Tom Emmer, Minn.; Kevin Hern, Okla.; Mike Johnson, La.; Dan Meuser, Penn.; Gary Palmer, Ala.; Austin Scott, Ga.; and Pete Sessions, Texas.

Representatives had until noon Sunday to declare their candidacies. The caucus will meet Monday evening for a candidate forum before convening on Tuesday for a secret-ballot vote.