GOP May Give Temporary House Speaker More Power

The Associated Press reports:

When Rep. Patrick McHenry took the House speaker’s gavel for the first time, he slammed it down with such force at adjournment that it gained viral internet attention as the defining image of a House in turmoil.

But as the House nears a second week stuck on pause, and Republicans struggle to unite around a candidate, many lawmakers are growing antsy. Some Republicans are urging McHenry to interpret his powers more broadly, if that’s what it takes to get the House working again, even if it means setting a new precedent that could ripple down through congressional history.

One group of centrist GOP lawmakers, led by Ohio Republican Rep. David Joyce, is preparing a resolution that would explicitly grant McHenry some power to bring legislation to the floor, endowing his role with new and defined authority.

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Speaker pro tem considered for more active role running the House.https://t.co/GCvUUpauNA

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