Claire Caulfield/KJZZ

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Sunday was the deadline for interested members of the U.S. House Republican caucus to file paperwork for their intent to become the next speaker.

Lake Havasu-based political analyst Jim Heath believes it will be difficult for anyone to get the 217 votes necessary, though, and chided Republicans for their inability to elect a permanent speaker, following their ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy nearly three weeks ago.

“You can’t continue to avoid making a payment to Israel. You can’t avoid payments to Ukraine and you certainly cannot allow the government to shut down as a political party on your watch because you can’t figure out a leader,” said Heath.

The House is currently led by temporary speaker, North Carolina Republican Patrick McHenry.