House Republicans Propose Raising Threshold for Ousting Speaker

House Republicans have introduced a new rules package for the 119th Congress that could significantly alter the process for removing a speaker. If adopted, the proposal would raise the threshold for filing a “motion to vacate” the speaker’s chair, making it more difficult to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) or any successor over the next two years.

Currently, a single member can force a no-confidence vote to remove the speaker. The proposed change would require nine majority-party members to initiate the motion, reflecting a growing desire among Republicans to stabilize House leadership after recent turmoil.

Key Points from the Proposed Rule Change:

• Threshold Increase: Raising the bar from one member to nine members significantly limits impulsive challenges to the speaker's authority.

• Freedom Caucus Agreement: Conservative and moderate factions of the GOP reportedly reached a compromise on the new threshold in November 2023.

• Historical Context: The motion-to-vacate rule has shifted multiple times in recent years, from requiring a party majority under Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to allowing one member under Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), whose tenure ended abruptly in October 2023.

Speaker Mike Johnson’s position remains precarious despite an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Johnson took the gavel in October 2023 following McCarthy’s ouster, which stemmed from disagreements over a short-term spending bill. Now, Johnson faces new challenges with a slim GOP majority and vocal opposition from some party members.

While the rule change would provide Johnson with a more secure foundation, it has drawn criticism from certain conservatives who see it as limiting accountability. Johnson, however, has been “working the phones” over the Christmas break to shore up support among Republicans, even as some members of the Freedom Caucus seek further concessions.

The motion-to-vacate change is just one aspect of the 36-page rules package, which includes:

• Investigations Into the Bidens: Authorization of subpoenas tied to probes of President Joe Biden and Hunter Biden.

• Immigration Reform: Proposals addressing border security and illegal immigration.

• Ethics Office Renaming: Rebranding the Office of Congressional Ethics to the Office of Congressional Conduct.

The House will vote on the package following the Friday speakership election, where Johnson will attempt to secure his position with a simple majority. The GOP’s narrow control of the House adds uncertainty, as any Republican defections could complicate both the vote for speaker and the adoption of the rules package.

As debates over leadership and accountability continue, this rules change represents the latest chapter in the GOP’s effort to balance party unity with the demands of its diverse factions.

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