Politico reports:
Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry for the first time Friday publicly said he’s open to a vote that would formally expand his powers as the top House Republican. Such a vote, which centrist GOP lawmakers have been floating for more than a week, would allow legislative business to function in the lower chamber after 17 turbulent days without a speaker.
“If there’s a formalized vote for a speaker pro tem, it can be done,” McHenry told reporters. When asked if he’d be open to that, McHenry responded: “Yes.”
“It has proven to be constitutional,” he said. “There’s a way through this and a way that the institution can function, but you have to have a formal vote to do anything else.”
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After Jordan’s failed third ballot, McHenry says he’s open to expanding his powers as acting speaker — but only with a “formal vote.” https://t.co/X92XJ9VQzH
— Caitlin Emma (@caitlinzemma) October 20, 2023