Behind the scenes: Reps. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas), Lance Gooden (R-Texas) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) said in a closed-door GOP conference that Jordan should step aside, according to a source in the room.
- Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), meanwhile, advocated for empowering McHenry while Jordan stays on as the GOP’s speaker designee, according to two sources.
- McCarthy screamed at Gaetz to sit down when he went to speak at the mics, a source said.
What they’re saying: Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), an influential conservative running for Senate, called the escape hatch an “historic betrayal” and “the biggest F U you to Republican voters.”
Zoom in: Empowering McHenry could allow the House to vote on emergency measures such as short-term government funding and aid to Ukraine and Israel.
- McHenry has taken a limited interpretation of his role as speaker pro tem thus far, and it’s unclear what concessions Democrats might demand in exchange for empowering him until January.