McCarthy-led House passes GOP rules package

Today, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), fresh off a contentious fight over whether he should wield the gavel, presided over his first session in the role. In a 220-213 vote largely along party lines, the House passed the rules under which it will operate for the 118th Congress.

Among the provisions: one that would make it easier for McCarthy’s detractors to start the process of removing him. Passing the rules package was the first test of McCarthy’s leadership: He could afford to lose only four GOP votes, and there had been grumbling from some GOP lawmakers about parts of the package leading up to the vote. One Republican voted against the rules package and another GOP lawmaker missed the vote.