Republicans weigh rules change to avoid House floor 'chaos' during speaker vote
Fox News
House Republicans are in disagreement on multiple fronts ahead of their Wednesday closed-door vote for a speaker candidate.
"I don't think we ought to be changing rules in the middle of an election. I just don't think that's wise. I also think there is some wisdom of having members have their surnames called out, and have to…declare it to everybody," said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., who is backing Majority Leader Steve Scalise for Speaker. "Secret ballot accomplishes very little, you know, other than gives you an opportunity to freely express yourself without being made known." Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Fox News Digital focused on Congress as well as the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
But Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., leader of the pragmatic Main Street Caucus, said he was leaning in favor of the change but had not made up his mind. "If it's going to take us four days to get to 218, I think everybody should agree that burning that time on the floor is suboptimal." Johnson has not publicly said who he will support yet. Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com