Four prominent centrist Democrats have extended an olive branch to Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry amidst the ongoing House GOP leadership crisis. In a letter obtained by POLITICO, the Democrats offered to grant McHenry “temporary, expanded authorities” enabling the House to address urgent matters, such as government funding plans. Specifically, they proposed allowing McHenry to bring up emergency aid for Ukraine or Israel, a short-term bill extending government funding until Jan. 11, or general consideration of fiscal 2024 spending bills. These powers would be limited to 15-day increments, extendable if the House GOP remains leaderless. In return, Democrats seek permission to fill 50% of the House’s suspension calendar, typically reserved for uncontroversial bills requiring a two-thirds majority for passage.
The letter, led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer and co-signed by Reps. Ed Case, Susie Lee, and Jared Golden, members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, aims to address critical issues, including a potential government shutdown and support for Israel. This proposal could potentially end the House deadlock if the GOP chooses to engage in cross-party cooperation.
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