The Turmoil of Empowering a Temporary Speaker

House Republicans are considering empowering acting Speaker Patrick McHenry to temporarily wield the powers of the speakership amid urgent funding battles and international threats. However, legal experts warn that this move could invite serious legal challenges if McHenry's authority is not explicitly granted through a formal vote of the House. Without a formal vote, any expansion of McHenry's powers would add uncertainty to legislation passed without the full imprimatur of the House. McHenry has ruled out taking on more powers without a formal vote, citing legal risks and the advice of the parliamentarian. The House has broad constitutional authority to establish its own internal procedures, but a formal vote would provide the safest course of action.