Kevin McCarthy (Republican Minority Leader) could be nominated to become the next Speaker by his party.
Some conservatives in Congress said they would not vote for McCarthy to be speaker of the 118th Congress when it begins in January. McCarthy could lose his position of speaker if he fails win all of the Republican conference votes.
Current GOP seats are 218. This is the minimum requirement for a majority in the House. McCarthy can’t afford to lose more that two to six votes in his conference for the speaker race.
McCarthy was more than 30 votes shy of the 218 votes needed to be elected speaker in this week’s nomination vote.
Three Republican members are expressing their opposition to McCarthy at the moment: Reps. Andy Biggs (R.Fla.). and Matt Rosendale.
Biggs could not challenge McCarthy’s nomination for speaker. In an opinion piece For American Greatness, he explained his reasons.
Biggs stated that the Republicans in Congress decided it was better to keep the status quo rather than make changes. Biggs stated that we will see a “redwave”, 25 seats or more, this year.
He stated, “Now, I am told that we won’t have a majority of three seats, so we need unity.” ” ” “I disagree. ”
Gaetz agreed with McCarthy. McCarthy claimed that he was “threatening and pressinguring new House members to vote for himself”. Gaetz stated, “We have all the votes to make a change.” ” ”
Rosendale wrote separately on Twitter that he believes that a leadership shift is needed to reduce power and give backbenchers greater control.
“Every member should have equal participation in legislative proceedings.” Rosendale tweeted Wednesday that Kevin McCarthy was not willing to make these changes.
He wants the status quo to continue. This consolidates power in his hands and a select few individuals that he chooses.
McCarthy is a conservative hardliner who believes they have the upper hand. His votes can be used to win concessions.
The Freedom Caucus members are the most persistent in calling for House procedure changes. Fox News interviewed several legislators who voiced their desire for House procedure changes.
Freedom Caucus members believe that regular order is vital for the budget and appropriations bills. Sometimes, House leaders vote to suspend normal operating procedures in order to accelerate legislation.
They want a rule that requires all legislation to be available 72-hours before a vote. More representation in top House Committees such as the House Rules Committee.
Under normal circumstances, these changes will not be approved by the House leadership. However, the GOP majority gives conservatives the power and authority to insist on certain changes.