House Republicans have put forth a formal proposal to amend the procedural power that led to the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, marking a significant development in GOP leadership. The proposed change, outlined in the House rules for the 119th Congress, would now necessitate a minimum of nine GOP lawmakers to support a resolution calling for the removal of the speaker. This adjustment deviates from the previous rule that only required the backing of a single member, which enabled Republicans to remove McCarthy with the assistance of Democrats last year.
The modification to the rules was the result of a negotiated agreement between a faction of ultraconservatives and Republicans aligned with leadership within the House Main Street Caucus back in November. The move is seen as a strategic victory for GOP leadership.
It is anticipated that Republicans will move to pass the rules package on the House floor on Friday, January 3, following a vote to re-elect House Speaker Mike Johnson for another term. The outcome of Johnson's re-election bid hinges on securing the necessary votes from his colleagues.
