Elections Outlook Report - Flipbook - Page 68
House Committee Leaders & Expected Changes
In the House, rules limit GOP members to six consecutive years in
a committee’s leadership role, no matter if that time was spent as
chair or ranking member.
Republicans propose making rule changes that clarify procedures
around leadership roles and streamline the internal election
process. Proposals include specifying the powers of the Speaker
pro tempore if the Speaker’s seat becomes vacant. This change
allows the Speaker pro tempore to exercise the necessary powers
of the Speaker temporarily until a new Speaker is elected, resolving
uncertainties that surfaced when Rep. Patrick McHenry took on the
temporary role after Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s removal in 2023.
Three current Republican committee leaders have
announced their retirements
Energy and Commerce | Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R- WA)
Financial Services | Patrick McHenry (R- NC)
Rules | Michael Burgess (R-TX)
Other updates limit speaking times for candidates seeking
Republican leadership positions. Another rule now requires that
the Chair announce detailed results of each ballot, including votes
for each candidate, and provides guidance on handling ties for the
lowest vote count. Lastly, a rule change would allow for an extra 10
minutes in Republican Conference meetings to hear updates from
the Chair of the National Congressional Committee. These revisions
aim to create more efficiency and transparency within House
Republican leadership elections.
