House raises bar for ousting speaker to nine members

In November 2022, House Republican leaders introduced a new rules package for the 119th Congress following GOP leadership elections. This rules change set the requirement for a motion to vacate the Speaker's position at nine co-sponsors from the majority party, significantly raising the threshold from the previous rule, where a single member could initiate this process. The change aimed to stabilize Party leadership, particularly in light of the difficulties the House faced in governing effectively over the past few years. The backdrop of this change includes a tumultuous period for the GOP. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy fell victim to the existing rules in October 2022, becoming the first House Speaker in U.S. history to be removed through a no-confidence vote. During his tenure, he faced significant pushback from hard-right members of his party, which contributed to his removal. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was elected subsequently, continues to face challenges as he attempts to navigate the intricate politics of a party that remains deeply divided. Even with the new rule in place, the threat of ousting a Speaker persists, particularly as factions within the GOP eye the leadership position. The decision to elevate the threshold was described by leaders of the House Freedom Caucus and the Main Street Caucus as a necessary step to unify the party and push forward with the Republican agenda. House Republicans emphasized that the change was in line with historical practices prior to the more extreme rule adjustments made under Democratic leadership. The aim is to provide stability to leadership roles and avoid the chaos that plagued the previous Congress. However, uncertainties linger about Johnson's ability to maintain support among his party members, given the razor-thin majority the Republicans hold in the House. Many members continue to express frustration with the direction of the party and Johnson's reliance on Democratic votes in order to pass critical legislation. This ongoing predicament raises questions about whether the new rules will effectively mitigate discord within the GOP and promote a more cohesive approach to legislative governance in the future.