Warring GOP factions strike deal to raise threshold to oust a House speaker

House Republicans have made a significant agreement on raising the motion to vacate threshold, a move that could bring some stability to the party’s leadership. Currently, House GOP Conference rules allow just one lawmaker to call for a motion to vacate the chair, triggering a vote on removing the speaker. However, the new deal would raise the threshold to nine lawmakers.

This agreement was reached during a meeting hosted by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and involved members from both the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus and the pragmatic Main Street Caucus. In exchange for raising the threshold, Main Street Caucus members agreed to withdraw proposed changes to House GOP rules that would have punished Republicans who vote against the majority.

The one-person threshold was initially part of a deal struck by ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy with conservatives in January 2022. This rule came back to haunt McCarthy when Rep. Matt Gaetz triggered a vote that led to his ouster in October 2023. The same rule has been looming over Johnson’s leadership since he took over for McCarthy.

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., and Main Street Caucus Chairman Dusty Johnson confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the importance of unity within the party. The motion to vacate will now require nine lawmakers to trigger a vote, a move aimed at reducing chaos within the House GOP.

Moderate and rank-and-file Republicans have been pushing for this change for months, arguing that it would help bring stability to the party. However, hardliners within the GOP have defended the one-person threshold, saying it empowers members outside of leadership.

The agreement is still tentative and subject to a vote by House Republicans on proposed changes to their conference rules. This news comes just after Johnson won a unanimous vote to remain as speaker, following some initial pushback from conservative critics.

Overall, this agreement represents a step towards unity within the House GOP and could help avoid further leadership challenges in the future. The party will continue to navigate internal dynamics as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the House of Representatives.