Republican Congressional Rule Changes

Last week, we witnessed something that hasn’t happened in American history for the past 100 years - the House of Representatives did not elect a Speaker on the first vote. Over the course of the week, Americans witnessed what happens far too rarely in Congress – other members of the Republican Freedom Caucus held Kevin McCarthy hostage, insisting that various polices and procedures be changed and made a part of the rules.

I must admit, I was really ticked off at the personal attacks against Kevin McCarthy who had 90% of the vote while 10% of Republicans stopped him from becoming Speaker until their demands were met. In my mind, this was not democracy in action. and I agreed with Dan Crenshaw that these activists were "domestic terrorists."

A few of the rules changes are--

• At least 72 hours to review bills: Too often must-pass bills have been introduced just hours before they are voted on, allowing members no time to read or debate the legislation—especially when it comes to spending bills. This new rule requires that bills be introduced at least 72 hours before they are voted on, allowing you the opportunity to contact your member for support or opposition.

• “Chairman Wednesday”: This rule allows committee chairmen to bring bills to the floor for a vote outside the typical process of having bills passed by the Rules Committee before they receive a vote on the floor.

With conservatives now leading key committees, these rules will give them greater influence in bringing conservative legislation to the floor.

Read the rest of the rules...

I will also admit now, that the rule changes they enacted and what McCarthy capitulated to, for the most part, are good. However, McCarthy has a gun to his head to produce or get voted out by a “motion to vacate the chair,” meaning any member of the majority party could force a vote to remove the House speaker.