WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden said House Republicans inability to unify behind a speaker candidate, which has prevented the chamber from beginning its legislative business, is not a good look for the country.

Speaking at the White House on Wednesday before traveling to Kentucky for an event to highlight last years bipartisan infrastructure law with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Biden said of Republicans, I hope they get their act together. He declined to say whether he had any choice for the speaker job, adding I have no idea who will prevail.

House Republicans choice candidate for the job, Kevin McCarthy of California, failed to win the required majority on three ballots Tuesday the first time in a century a speaker hasnt been selected on the first ballot. Members-elect are set to return to the chamber on Wednesday for additional balloting.

A speaker is required for the would-be members to be sworn-in and for the chambers business to begin.