Speaker Mike Johnson is currently facing pressure from his fellow GOP members to raise the threshold required to trigger the procedure to oust the speaker. This move is aimed at ensuring that the Louisiana Republican can pass foreign aid bills without needing support from Democrats to maintain his position.
It remains uncertain what decision Johnson will make, but there are indications that he is contemplating changing the process known as the motion to vacate the chair. This potential alteration would be a significant step for Johnson.
Recent reports suggest that rank-and-file House Republicans have been privately urging Johnson to include language in the rule text for the foreign aid bills that would make it more challenging for a single member to initiate the motion to vacate.
Under the current arrangement, any individual member has the ability to trigger a floor vote on the motion to vacate, a provision that was part of the agreement Kevin McCarthy struck to assume the role of speaker last year.
The House Rules Committee is set to convene on Thursday morning to commence discussions on the foreign aid bills. The specific details of the rule will be disclosed after the committee's approval, which is anticipated later in the day.
Given the staunch opposition from hardliners, Democrats are expected to play a crucial role in both the committee vote and the subsequent floor proceedings to advance the rule.
