GOP Considers Expanding McHenry's Authority Amid Leadership Turmoil
House Republicans are considering expanding the powers of Speaker Pro Tem Patrick McHenry as they struggle to reach a consensus on a new Speaker. Moderate Republicans are in favor of giving McHenry the authority to "reopen business" while the search for a permanent Speaker continues. However, some Republicans oppose this move, fearing it would diminish the pressure on the conference to select a new Speaker. McHenry's current powers are limited, according to House rules, but he has already taken actions that go beyond managing the election. The discussion around expanding McHenry's powers has been influenced by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.