House Republicans Propose Rules Changes for Speaker

House Republicans are planning to change the rules governing the removal of a Speaker of the House, following the unprecedented ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The proposed alterations would require a lawmaker to gather eight co-sponsors from the majority party—currently Republicans—to initiate a motion to vacate the speakership, aimed at preventing future disruptions. Critics, including Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern, argue that these changes would shield the Speaker from accountability and undermine the House's functionality. The first vote on the new rules package is set for this Friday, coinciding with the re-election bid of current Speaker Mike Johnson. This maneuvering occurs amid concerns over the GOP's ability to maintain unity and effectively govern with a razor-thin majority. As the new Congress convenes, the proposed rules reflect a partisan strategy rather than a collaborative approach to governance.