A small group of Republican hardliners set out to block Kevin McCarthy, their party’s leader in the House of Representatives, from becoming Speaker. That same faction has taken on GOP leaders before.

We speak to Paul Kane, senior Congressional correspondent and columnist for the Washington Post, about the history behind this week’s standoff in the House and what it means for Congress.

In participating regions, you’ll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what’s going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.