The House Freedom Caucus on Thursday released a list of demands for GOP leadership, including bringing back the motion to "vacate the chair," allow members to ask party leadership to step down and prevent leadership from getting involved in primaries.
The letter comes as 12 House Republicans have threatened to oppose Kevin McCarthy's ascension to be the next House speaker unless they win concessions on congressional rules.
"As we form the 118th Congress, any GOP Speaker candidate must make clear he or she will advance rules, policies, and an organizational structure that will result in the values listed below," said the letter, signed by Reps. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, Dan Bishop of North Carolina; Paul Gosar of Arizona, Chip Roy of Texas; Andrew Clyde of Georgia; and two incoming freshman lawmakers: Reps.-elect Eli Crane of Arizona and Andy Ogles of Tennessee.
"For years, however, the House leadership of both parties has increasingly centralized decision-making power around fewer and fewer individuals — at the expense of deliberation and input by the body," they continued. "This results in massive, multi-subject bills that are unable to be amended or fully read, all driven by supposedly must-pass defense and appropriations measures. In the process, we've amassed trillions of dollars in debt, empowered administration bureaucrats who target citizens, and failed to carry out our basic duties to defend the American People."
Clyde said in a statement that McCarthy is a "friend" and that they have a good working relationship.
"While I continue my consideration of who I will vote for, the items presented are simply what I expect and require for anyone seeking the responsibility of serving as speaker," he said.
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., on Wednesday announced that he is challenging McCarthy.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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