Speaker Johnson Says Republicans Keen to Remove Vacate Rule in Next Congress

Under current rules, just one representative is needed to bring forward a motion to oust the speaker.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) (C), joined by House Intelligence Chairman Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) (L) and House Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-Conn.) speak following a briefing with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 15, 2024. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Current House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has predicted the House will “probably” change the rules around the motion to vacate in the next Congress, making it harder to oust people from the speaker role.

During a press conference on March 13, preceding the GOP annual retreat at Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, Mr. Johnson said the discussion around changing the rules to vacate speakers has been ongoing, although he stressed he isn’t advocating for it personally.