Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) criticized Republican efforts to bestow greater authority on Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) amidst the Republican caucus’ struggles to elect a new Speaker.
What Happened: Pelosi voiced her views in a CNN interview on Thursday, stating that McHenry must be made Speaker to possess the “awesome power of the Speakership.”
"You really cannot give Mr. McHenry power."
"No, you have to make him Speaker, and then he has the awesome power of the Speakership," Pelosi said.
Pelosi also revealed her concerns over the duration and the specific scope of the powers that would be granted to McHenry. She emphasized the need for a Speaker to manage critical legislation, including those addressing the escalating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and other significant issues.
"So it's substance. It's timing. It's structure. It'll be up to [Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)], and we all have confidence in him," Pelosi said.
Why It Matters: Republican members had earlier proposed a plan to let McHenry take charge of passing legislation until January, given the House’s ongoing Speaker’s vacancy for two weeks. However, this plan might be put aside as Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the GOP’s Speaker nominee, is likely to face a third Speaker vote later on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), the secretary for the House GOP conference, has confirmed that Jordan will meet the Republican holdouts before initiating the third vote on Thursday.
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