House Republicans appear to be warming to a novel proposal that would empower the speaker pro tempore, given their inability to elect a leader.
Rep. Jim Jordan, who came up well short in a Tuesday vote, is set to try again when the House convenes at 11 a.m., but support is growing in some circles for a stopgap solution that would at least get the chamber functioning again if he falls short – as is widely expected, making the proposal to elevate Rep. Patrick McHenry a viable option.
The idea appears particularly popular among Republicans who opposed Jordan on the initial ballot. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican from an Oregon district Biden won in 2020, said in a statement Tuesday that “until we can find clear consensus among the Republican Conference, it’s time to give expanded authority to Speaker Pro Tempore McHenry so the House can resume governing.” Rep. Carlos Gimenez, Florida Republican who likewise opposed Jordan on Tuesday, said that he would be “receptive” to expanding McHenry’s powers, saying “we need to get the House open.”
Even former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a Republican, called empowering McHenry “a lot better solution than gridlock and chaos,” to which another former speaker, John Boehner, chimed in on social media saying “I agree.”
Political Cartoons on Congress
Empowering McHenry from a designated speaker to an elected speaker would grant him additional abilities beyond helping the chamber to elect a new speaker – allowing the House to legislate and operate like usual, until a new speaker can be elected down the line. But the move would require the backing of a majority of the chamber, likely necessitating the support of Democrats.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has made clear that Democrats are open to a bipartisan path forward.
“I have respect for Patrick McHenry, I think he is respected on our side of the aisle,” Jeffries said when asked about the possibility of empowering the North Carolina Republican. “We continue to say that we’re seeking a bipartisan path forward that’s authentic, genuine and that we want to agree upon in good faith.”
Meanwhile, Jordan is expected to push forward with his bid for the gavel on Wednesday, telling reporters on Tuesday evening that he plans to “keep going.”
“I’ve had great conversations, great discussions with our colleagues, and frankly no one in our conference wants to see any type of coalition government with Democrats,” he said. “So we’re going to keep working.”
