House Rules Package

Mike Johnson Plans Rule Change After Epstein Files Fallout

Following the successful use of a discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Speaker Mike Johnson is considering raising the threshold for privileged motions and discharge petitions. This follows bipartisan efforts that bypassed Republican leadership and led to the bill’s passage, despite opposition from Johnson and former President Trump. The Epstein Files bill, which instructs the Department of Justice to release investigative files related to the late sex offender, unanimously passed both the House and Senate. With more lawmakers breaking rank, and the Speaker not giving an outlet for legislative pursuits, the Speaker may continue to see an increase in discharge petitions.

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McGovern Warns: GOP Agenda Ignores American Voters

House Democrats strongly criticized the Republican Party’s proposed rules package for the 118th Congress, arguing it represents a move towards extremism by limiting the minority party’s power and prioritizing legislation favorable to wealthy interests. Key changes include restricting the ability to remove the Speaker of the House and fast-tracking twelve Republican bills, including measures to sanction the International Criminal Court and prohibit fracking moratoriums, without allowing amendments. Democrats predict the Republican agenda will focus on tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations at the expense of social programs, while offering little to address economic concerns for everyday Americans. This rules package will be voted on once a Speaker is elected.

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