House GOP Approves Rule Change on Speaker Ouster

House Republicans are working on a deal to change internal rules regarding the 'motion to vacate', which currently allows a single member to call for a vote to remove the Speaker. The proposed agreement would raise this threshold from one to nine members, a significant shift aimed at stabilizing leadership after the ouster of former Speaker McCarthy. In exchange, centrist lawmakers from the Main Street Caucus agreed to withdraw punitive rule changes that would have penalized members for dissenting against leadership. This deal, while promising, is contingent on cooperation from the hardline Freedom Caucus and will not take effect until January 2025. Failure to adhere to the agreement could create early tensions in the new Congress. GOP leaders are optimistic but remain cautious, highlighting the delicate balance of power within the party.