Incoming House GOP Minority Discussing How To Keep Members On The Reservation With New Rule

Incoming House Republican leaders are considering punishing members who vote against the party’s agenda when Republicans move into the minority. The proposal follows frequent internal rebellions during their time in the majority and could establish a precedent for enforcing party discipline if they regain control of the House.

Idaho Representative Mike Simpson said the idea was raised during a closed-door leadership election, where colleagues discussed the number of rebellions in the past two years. Nine procedural rules votes have failed under Speaker Mike Johnson, compared with none under former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Republicans have split over issues including the SAVE America Act and warrantless surveillance, while Democratic leaders have previously threatened consequences for members who broke with their caucus.