In the wake of Rep. Jim Jordan’s unsuccessful bid for House Speaker, House Republicans are throwing their support behind a proposal to expand the powers of Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry. This move comes as the Republican Party grapples with internal divisions, making it challenging to elect a new Speaker and effectively govern the House.
The initiative gained momentum following reports by Newsweek on October 18, 2023, indicating growing calls within the party to empower McHenry, who is temporarily filling the role of Speaker Pro Tempore. With the political landscape of the House remaining deeply divided, some members are advocating for granting McHenry additional authority to ensure the House can continue functioning and address pressing legislative matters.
The proposal aims to serve as a temporary solution, bridging the leadership gap until a permanent Speaker is elected. “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,” stated Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon, one of the key proponents of the movement.
Chavez-DeRemer, along with other Republicans who supported Kevin McCarthy over Jim Jordan in the recent Speaker election, emphasized the urgency of the situation. McCarthy received the most votes in the election but fell short of securing the position. “We need to give Patrick McHenry some of those powers and allow the House to conduct its business. We don’t want a government shutdown,” echoed Rep. Carlos Giménez of Florida, another supporter of McCarthy.
In a proactive move to address the looming government shutdown threat on November 17, Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania introduced a resolution to force a vote on expanding McHenry’s powers. The resolution underscores the pressing need felt by lawmakers to empower McHenry as a vital stopgap measure to prevent disruptions in government functions.
Currently, Patrick McHenry, serving as Speaker Pro Tempore, plays a ceremonial role in presiding over votes to elect a permanent Speaker of the House. However, the recent political discord within the Republican Party, coupled with the failure to elect a new Speaker, has highlighted the need for a temporary solution. Granting extended powers to McHenry would involve expanding his responsibilities, enabling him to take a more active role in managing the House’s legislative agenda.
While the specifics of the proposal are yet to be defined, the intention is clear: to bridge the current leadership gap and prevent a political stalemate that could lead to a government shutdown. Nevertheless, the proposal to expand Speaker Pro Tempore McHenry’s powers has sparked debate, with some arguing that it may undermine the traditional process of electing a Speaker and concentrate too much power in one individual’s hands. The party remains divided on the best course of action, with discussions ongoing to determine the most suitable way forward.
