Amidst GOP infighting over the House Speaker role, an alternative solution gains traction – appointing Rep. Patrick McHenry as temporary Speaker to keep the chamber functioning.
An alternative proposal is gaining momentum amid a contentious struggle within the GOP over the House Speaker position. This plan revolves around designating Representative Patrick McHenry as a temporary Speaker to ensure the continued functionality of the House.
Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., House Speaker Pro Tem presides over the speaker vote on Tuesday at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 17, 2023.
House Republicans find themselves increasingly receptive to an unconventional plan to empower the speaker pro tempore, especially considering their inability to elect a leader for the chamber. While Representative Jim Jordan, who faced a significant defeat in a recent vote, is poised for another attempt as the House reconvenes at 11 a.m., a pragmatic solution is garnering support, particularly from Republicans who expect Jordan to fall short. This proposal centers on elevating Representative Patrick McHenry to a leadership role, providing a viable path forward.
Speaker of the House Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) talks with U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), currently the top contender in the race to be the next Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, prior to a a second round of voting to try to elect a new Speaker of the House on the floor of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., October 18, 2023.
This innovative idea has gained substantial popularity among Republicans initially opposed to Jim Jordan’s candidacy. Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican from an Oregon district won by Biden in 2020, emphasized the need for action. She stated on Tuesday, “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.” Representative Carlos Gimenez, a Florida Republican who opposed Jordan in the initial vote, expressed receptiveness to bolstering McHenry’s powers, emphasizing the urgency of reopening the House.
Notably, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a prominent Republican figure, has endorsed the idea of empowering McHenry, considering it a far more constructive alternative to the gridlock and chaos that prevails. His sentiments were echoed by another former speaker, John Boehner, who affirmed his agreement with the proposal via social media.
The emergence of this concept reflects the prevailing turmoil within the GOP, characterized by an ongoing impasse regarding the selection of a Speaker. The inability to achieve a consensus has prompted many Republicans to seek alternative avenues to maintain the functionality of the House.
Empowering Patrick McHenry, the speaker pro tempore, has surfaced as a practical option to prevent a legislative standstill and enable the House to fulfill its governing responsibilities.
Last night, I introduced a resolution that would allow the House of Representatives to hold a formal election of the Honorable Patrick McHenry (R-NC) as Speaker Pro Tempore. McHenry is currently designated as Speaker Pro Tempore, which limits his powers (1/4) pic.twitter.com/qvaAxkaI0b
— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) October 17, 2023
Amidst these discussions, the possibility of Patrick McHenry temporarily assuming the role of Speaker gains prominence. McHenry’s extensive experience and familiarity with House proceedings make him a compelling candidate for this interim leadership position. This pragmatic approach has garnered support not only among Republican lawmakers but also from past Republican House Speakers, who understand the importance of preserving the House’s functionality, even during periods of political contention.
As House Republicans confront the complexities of their internal leadership struggles, appointing McHenry as a temporary Speaker offers a potential solution that transcends partisan divides. The focus is on ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the House, as acknowledged by Republicans like Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Carlos Gimenez, who recognize the necessity of immediate action.
I agree with my friend & colleague Congressman @MarioDB!
— Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) October 17, 2023
Let’s get to the House Floor — now. https://t.co/HS3cuMRfv0
This growing support for Patrick McHenry as a temporary Speaker underscores the party’s commitment to facilitating effective governance and upholding the House’s responsibilities. The proposal exemplifies pragmatic, solution-oriented politics in the face of internal discord, aligning with the principles of influential figures like Newt Gingrich and John Boehner.
