Some House conservatives slam proposal to empower temporary speaker and delay vote on Jordan
As Republicans continue to debate how best to move forward given Jordan’s impasse, some of his top allies are bashing the idea of elevating Patrick McHenry with Democratic support until January to get the House through funding Israel/Ukraine aid and avoiding a shutdown.
"This is the wrong thing to do. Our voters worked very hard to give us the majority,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., shared his opposition.
“I’m against speaker lite,” Gaetz said. “It’s constitutional desecration.”
Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told ABC Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott he doesn't back the plan and predicted that more than half the GOP would oppose it.
Even if the pragmatic Republicans supporting Jordan support the plan, it will need Democratic votes. The exact number could be fluid.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has said Republicans must take up government funding and Israel/Ukraine aid. His third demand -- allowing “bipartisan bills” to the floor -- could be a nonstarter for many Republicans depending on how it’s construed.
McHenry kept his cards close entering the meeting about whether he supports the plan.
“I never asked for additional powers,” he said.
He is expected to gavel the House into session shortly and then recess as both parties continue their private meetings.