All articles tagged with #republican leadership
Republican lawmakers Massie and Khanna criticized their party's leadership for blocking efforts to release Epstein-related files, emphasizing the importance of transparency and victim justice amid ongoing controversy and political tensions.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota has been elected as the new leader of the Senate Republican conference, succeeding Mitch McConnell. Thune, currently the GOP whip, will assume the role in January when the new Congress convenes, with Republicans expected to control the House, Senate, and presidency. With a 53-seat majority, the GOP plans to address key issues such as tax cuts, immigration, and energy policy. Thune, 63, is not up for reelection until 2028 and has not committed to a term limit for his new leadership position.
President-elect Donald Trump is urging Senate Republicans to support recess appointments for his Cabinet nominees as they prepare to elect a new majority leader. Trump, who has not yet endorsed a candidate for the leadership position, argues that recess appointments are necessary for timely confirmations. The GOP, with a Senate majority, faces internal and external pressures, including endorsements from Trump allies for candidate Rick Scott. The leadership race is crucial as it will influence the Senate's operations and Trump's agenda in the upcoming Congress.
Following Rep. Elise Stefanik's selection by President-elect Trump for a UN role, Republicans are swiftly moving to fill her position as House GOP conference chair. Rep. Lisa McClain and Rep. Kat Cammack have announced their candidacies, with more contenders possibly joining before the internal leadership elections. The GOP is expected to maintain control of the House, though by a narrow margin. The conference chair role, previously held by Stefanik since 2021, is the fourth-ranking position in the House GOP leadership.
Rick Scott's bid for Senate GOP leadership is facing backlash as MAGA supporters' aggressive online campaign to promote him over establishment figures like John Cornyn and John Thune is alienating many Republican senators. Despite some public endorsements, Scott's popularity within the Senate GOP is limited, partly due to past leadership roles and his association with controversial figures. The secret ballot nature of the vote and the senators' insulation from external pressure further complicate Scott's chances. Meanwhile, Trump has not endorsed any candidate, aware of the risks involved in such a move.
President-elect Donald Trump has publicly intervened in the Senate leadership race, demanding that candidates for Senate majority leader support his ability to make recess appointments, bypassing Senate confirmation for cabinet positions. Trump emphasized the need for immediate appointments, criticizing past delays. GOP Senators John Cornyn, Rick Scott, and John Thune, who are vying to replace Mitch McConnell, have expressed varying degrees of support for Trump's stance. Trump also urged Republicans to block Democratic judicial nominations during the lame-duck session.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene proposed amendments to foreign aid bills, including one for "space laser technology on the southwest border" and another mandating lawmakers who support Ukraine aid to be conscripted into Kyiv’s military. The controversial amendments have caused tension within the Republican party, with Greene emerging as a prominent figure in opposition to Speaker Mike Johnson. The proposed bills also include aid for Israel and the Indo-Pacific, and have ignited a civil war within the House GOP.
U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, will step down early as chair of the influential House Appropriations Committee, a powerful position held by a Texan in Congress, after serving as the top Republican on the committee since 2019. Granger, the longest-serving Republican in the Texas delegation, plans to remain on the committee as Chair Emeritus and return to her career as an educator. Her departure comes amid frustrations with the committee's focus on divisive cultural issues, and she aims to provide advice and counsel to her colleagues.
After Sen. Mitch McConnell announced his resignation as Republican leader, the race to replace him has begun, with three potential successors, known as the "three Johns," emerging as frontrunners. The list includes John Cornyn, John Thune, and John Barrasso, all of whom have endorsed Donald Trump. Other potential candidates include Steve Daines and Rick Scott. The Senate Republicans will vote for their next leader in November, with McConnell's successor taking over in January.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas has announced his candidacy to succeed Mitch McConnell as the Senate Minority Leader, following McConnell's decision to step down. Cornyn, one of McConnell's top allies, is vying for the position alongside other potential successors. He emphasizes his track record as an election-winner and his ability to build consensus. However, he faces challenges from within the GOP, particularly from hardline conservatives critical of the Senate's processes.
Senator Ted Cruz reiterated his call for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to step down, criticizing the border bill crafted by McConnell and other GOP proponents as a disaster that would worsen the border crisis. Cruz accused the bill of normalizing 5,000 illegal migrants per day and providing political cover for Democrats. He also expressed frustration with the provision directing litigation to the liberal District of Columbia. McConnell responded by acknowledging Cruz's lack of support for him. Cruz's remarks come amid upcoming special elections and failed attempts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Senate GOP leaders, particularly McConnell and his potential successors, are facing a dilemma in their relationship with Donald Trump as he continues to exert influence within the party. While House leaders have aligned themselves with Trump, Senate GOP leaders have varying approaches, with McConnell avoiding Trump and others cautiously endorsing him. The lack of a strong relationship between Trump and Senate Republicans raises concerns about potential challenges in working together if Trump wins in November. McConnell's potential successors are also navigating their ties to Trump, with uncertainty surrounding McConnell's future as leader and the party's direction.
Rep. Garret Graves, a former deputy to Kevin McCarthy, faces an uncertain future as the Louisiana GOP leaves him out in the cold by redrawing his district to protect other Republican incumbents. Graves, who saw his influence wane after McCarthy's ouster, must now decide whether to run for a seat he's likely to lose, challenge a colleague, or forgo another run altogether. The redistricting drama has sparked speculation about Graves making enemies and has highlighted his strained relationships with Republican leadership.
House Republicans are on the verge of electing Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as the next speaker of the House, following the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Johnson's victory came after House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) withdrew from the race due to opposition from former President Donald Trump. While there is cautious optimism that Johnson will be elected, the bigger challenge lies in what comes next. Johnson has not outlined a clear plan for funding the government or addressing aid to Ukraine, and his lack of experience in leadership and limited staff could pose significant challenges. Additionally, Johnson's role in challenging the 2020 election results and his conservative positions have drawn both support and criticism within the Republican Party.
In an unprecedented move, Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of his position by hard-right conservatives, throwing the House and Republican leadership into chaos. McCarthy announced that he would not run again for speaker, leaving the position up for grabs. The next steps are uncertain, with no clear successor to lead the House Republican majority. McCarthy's ouster was fueled by growing grievances, including his decision to work with Democrats to keep the government open. The vote to remove McCarthy was 216-210, with eight Republican detractors forcing him out. The House is now on recess until next week when Republicans will attempt to elect a new speaker.