Top GOP rebel angles for powerful House leadership-backed committee post
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, is making a bold move to potentially become the next chair of the House Rules Committee, a crucial panel that plays a pivotal role in deciding the fate of most bills before they are brought to a House-wide vote.
In a recent appearance on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, Roy expressed his interest in the chairmanship, stating, “I will defer to the speaker on that. Obviously, I have put my name out there.” This unexpected development comes as a surprise to many, given Roy’s history of being a vocal critic of House leadership, particularly on issues related to government spending.
Despite his past clashes with House leadership, Roy has recently emerged as a bridge between GOP leaders and the more rebellious members of the party, earning a reputation for his ability to navigate between the two factions. As the current policy chair of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, Roy has positioned himself as a key player in shaping the party’s agenda.
Roy’s journey to potentially chairing the House Rules Committee began in January 2023 when he secured a seat on the committee as part of a deal with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy to increase conservative representation. This move was part of a larger compromise that helped McCarthy secure his short-lived speakership.
The House Rules Committee holds significant power in determining the terms of debate on a bill and deciding which amendments will be considered before a House-wide vote. As a member of the committee for the past two years, Roy has not shied away from voting against House rules, a decision that could impact his chances of assuming the chairmanship.
Despite potential obstacles, Roy has garnered support from several colleagues, including Rep. Ralph Norman, who expressed his full backing for Roy. Another colleague, Rep. John Carter, emphasized Roy’s ability to build a conservative coalition in the House to support President Trump’s priorities.
However, the ultimate decision on who will chair the House Rules Committee rests with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Unlike other committees where chairpersons are selected by a wider group of lawmakers, the speaker has sole authority in appointing the House Rules panel’s chair.
As rumors swirl about other potential contenders for the role, such as current House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, Roy remains a prominent candidate. With current House Rules Committee Chairman Michael Burgess set to retire at the end of the year, the stakes are high for Roy as he vies for this influential leadership position.
In conclusion, Rep. Chip Roy’s bid for the chairmanship of the House Rules Committee marks a significant moment in his political career. His unexpected rise to contention for this key role underscores his growing influence within the GOP and sets the stage for a potentially dramatic shift in House leadership dynamics.
