"Debate over Expanding Speaker Pro Tem Authority Engages House Members"

House members are discussing the possibility of granting additional powers to Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick T. McHenry, who is currently serving as a placeholder following the removal of former speaker Kevin McCarthy. The debate centers around whether McHenry should have the authority to oversee the process of finding a new speaker or if he should be granted more substantial powers for a limited period of time. Some Republicans argue that McHenry should be able to run important legislation through, while Democrats view him as a figurehead. The precise powers of a pro tem speaker would be determined by a majority vote, and there is a growing consensus that the current interpretation of McHenry's authority defeats the purpose of having a speaker pro tempore succession. Legislation may be needed to resolve these questions in the future.