In a bid to address the leadership vacuum in the House of Representatives, Republican Policy Committee Chair Gary Palmer, R-Ala., has released a comprehensive policy outline for the nine GOP contenders for the speaker position. The move comes amidst growing frustration over the lack of progress in Congress and a desire for a unified and transparent Republican Conference.
Palmer’s policy outline calls on the speaker candidates to make five commitments. Firstly, it urges them to fund the government with 12 individual spending bills by June 30, emphasizing the need for “real spending cuts” instead of “budget gimmicks.” Secondly, it demands an end to short-term stopgap funding bills, which have become a common practice in Congress. Thirdly, the outline proposes giving members a minimum of 72 hours to read a bill before it is brought to the House floor, aiming to enhance transparency and informed decision-making.
Perhaps the most crucial commitment highlighted in Palmer’s outline is the need for the GOP conference to be on the same page before holding a House-wide vote. This emphasis on unity reflects the growing challenges faced by Republican candidates for speaker, who are struggling to garner enough support to win a House-wide vote without Democratic backing.
Furthermore, Palmer’s plan seeks to address the issue of government funding deadlines. Under his proposal, the House would be prohibited from considering any legislation sent from the Senate after July 30 if all 12 appropriations bills have not been passed by then. Additionally, the House would not be allowed to recess after July 31 if the individual spending bills have not been approved. The plan also includes a provision for a two-thirds vote override in cases of national security concerns.
The release of this policy outline follows the ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who passed a 45-day continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown. With only four of the 12 spending bills passed by the end of the fiscal year, there is a growing sense of urgency to prioritize effective fiscal management.
Palmer’s outline also emphasizes the need to decentralize the legislative process and prioritize individual members’ policy priorities. This approach aims to unite the Republican conference and address the challenges faced by candidates in securing sufficient support for the speaker position.
As the race for the speaker position continues, Republicans are looking for a leader who can bring unity, transparency, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. The policy outline put forth by Gary Palmer serves as a roadmap to address the pressing issues facing Congress and ensure a more efficient and effective legislative process.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital focused on Congress as well as the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. For the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].
(Fox News)
