Rep. Chip Roy from Texas is making a move to become the next chairman of the House Rules Committee, a position that holds significant power in determining which bills are brought to a vote on the House floor. During a recent appearance on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, Roy indicated that he is officially in the running, stating, “I will defer to the speaker on that… obviously, I have put my name out there.”
Roy’s rise to this point is interesting, as he has been critical of House leadership, especially regarding spending policies. However, in recent times, he has positioned himself as a bridge between the party’s leadership and members who often dissent from mainstream Republican strategies. This dual role has led to a growing reputation among his colleagues.
In January 2023, Roy secured his spot on the Rules Committee through an agreement with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy intended to bolster conservative representation. Interestingly, despite critiquing McCarthy, Roy was not among the eight Republicans who voted to remove him and expressed doubts about that decision publicly.
The House Rules Committee plays a vital role as the last checkpoint before bills are considered for a wider vote. The chair of the committee has the authority to set the terms for debates on legislation and decide which amendments will be presented for discussion. A successful vote in the committee is necessary for a bill to be debated by the full House later.
Throughout his time on the committee, Roy has cast votes against various House rules, which could potentially hinder his chances of being elected chair. Nonetheless, he has garnered support from his fellow lawmakers. Rep. Ralph Norman from South Carolina expressed strong backing, saying, “He’d be great. I support him 100%.” Similarly, Rep. John Carter from Texas noted that Roy would be instrumental in uniting conservative members in supporting President Trump’s initiatives if appointed.
It’s important to note that the chair of the House Rules Committee is selected solely by the House Speaker, providing them significant control over who leads the committee. One GOP member anonymously shared their thoughts on Roy’s bid, saying that it’s crucial for the chair to support the leadership’s agenda.
With current chairman Michael Burgess of Texas stepping down at the end of the year, the position is open for new leadership. Rumors suggest that Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, may also be vying for the role. As the situation unfolds, the decision of who will lead the House Rules Committee will likely play a significant role in shaping the Republican agenda moving forward.
