House Republicans face a decision in the coming days on not only who should be the next speaker but also whether to change House rules to make it easier for that person to stay in the role.
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy only gained the speaker’s gavel earlier this year after agreeing to changes demanded by a group of Republican holdouts, who in part insisted on more power to influence legislation, such as through the appropriations process and open amendments on bills.
One change became the most consequential: lowering the threshold for bringing a “motion to vacate” the office of the speaker. Any member could file the proposal, instead of it needing to be offered at the direction of a party caucus or conference.
