Following McCarthy's Removal, GOP Considers New Rule for House Leadership Votes
Rep. Brian Mast advocates for a requirement that any Republican pursuing an internal promotion must resign from their current leadership position.
TroibNews 
House Republicans are poised to examine a range of new internal rules proposals this week, particularly in response to the recent ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
One focal point of discussion is the proposed amendment to the one-member threshold required to initiate a motion to vacate. Additionally, some GOP members are pushing for modifications to the party’s leadership election process. Various factions within the conference have submitted their proposals for the 119th Congress, slated for consideration during a vote on a new rules package this Thursday.
Rep. Brian Mast has proposed a rules amendment that mandates any individual seeking a leadership position to resign from their current role. The Florida conservative confirmed this to PMG over the weekend.
Had this rule been in place last October during the speakership contest, several members vying to replace McCarthy would have had to step down from their leadership roles. This group includes Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Republican Policy Chair Gary Palmer, and even the current Speaker Mike Johnson, who was serving as the GOP conference vice chair at the time.
This proposed change could create more pathways for Republicans to ascend within the party, although it might limit the ambitions of those with strong leadership aspirations.
Mast characterized the proposal as a lesson learned from the aftermath of McCarthy’s ousting, emphasizing his desire to rectify the situation for the future. During the previous speakership elections, he expressed dissatisfaction with party leadership, stating, “I can tell you in this moment. … I would not support any member of our current leadership … Leaders lead. And that's not taking place,” in an interview with CBS News.
While details on the complete list of amendments relevant to the GOP conference, which were due Thursday evening, are still forthcoming, centrists have also introduced an amendment that imposes internal penalties on Republicans who oppose procedural votes that enable the party to advance legislation to the House floor. This proposal emerges following several instances where conservative members blocked bills, hampering leadership’s policy goals during both McCarthy and Johnson's tenures.
Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about modifications to the discharge petition, as first reported by PMG.
Several broader rules debates are underway, including proposals regarding the governance of the floor. Some members are advocating for measures that would make it more challenging to initiate a speaker removal.
While a significant portion of Republicans disapprove of the mechanism that enabled Rep. Matt Gaetz to lead a small faction in ousting McCarthy—an action contrary to the preferences of the majority of the GOP conference—there are conservative members ready to defend the current threshold fiercely. Moreover, slim vote margins could complicate efforts to modify this rule.
Jordain Carney contributed to this report.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
One focal point of discussion is the proposed amendment to the one-member threshold required to initiate a motion to vacate. Additionally, some GOP members are pushing for modifications to the party’s leadership election process. Various factions within the conference have submitted their proposals for the 119th Congress, slated for consideration during a vote on a new rules package this Thursday.
Rep. Brian Mast has proposed a rules amendment that mandates any individual seeking a leadership position to resign from their current role. The Florida conservative confirmed this to PMG over the weekend.
Had this rule been in place last October during the speakership contest, several members vying to replace McCarthy would have had to step down from their leadership roles. This group includes Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Republican Policy Chair Gary Palmer, and even the current Speaker Mike Johnson, who was serving as the GOP conference vice chair at the time.
This proposed change could create more pathways for Republicans to ascend within the party, although it might limit the ambitions of those with strong leadership aspirations.
Mast characterized the proposal as a lesson learned from the aftermath of McCarthy’s ousting, emphasizing his desire to rectify the situation for the future. During the previous speakership elections, he expressed dissatisfaction with party leadership, stating, “I can tell you in this moment. … I would not support any member of our current leadership … Leaders lead. And that's not taking place,” in an interview with CBS News.
While details on the complete list of amendments relevant to the GOP conference, which were due Thursday evening, are still forthcoming, centrists have also introduced an amendment that imposes internal penalties on Republicans who oppose procedural votes that enable the party to advance legislation to the House floor. This proposal emerges following several instances where conservative members blocked bills, hampering leadership’s policy goals during both McCarthy and Johnson's tenures.
Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about modifications to the discharge petition, as first reported by PMG.
Several broader rules debates are underway, including proposals regarding the governance of the floor. Some members are advocating for measures that would make it more challenging to initiate a speaker removal.
While a significant portion of Republicans disapprove of the mechanism that enabled Rep. Matt Gaetz to lead a small faction in ousting McCarthy—an action contrary to the preferences of the majority of the GOP conference—there are conservative members ready to defend the current threshold fiercely. Moreover, slim vote margins could complicate efforts to modify this rule.
Jordain Carney contributed to this report.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
