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Interim House Speaker Patrick McHenry threatens to quit, Internet says 'the house of cards is falling'

Patrick McHenry has reportedly threatened to resign as speaker pro tempore if his legislative powers are expanded without a formal vote

WASHINGTON, DC: In a private meeting behind closed doors, Republican Representative Patrick McHenry of North Carolina has reportedly set off shockwaves by hinting at his resignation as speaker pro tempore.

The reason behind this is a a contentious battle over expanding his legislative authority without the backing of a formal vote, as revealed by NBC News.

Patrick McHenry's warning sparks GOP turmoil

During the covert meeting, McHenry boldly addressed his GOP colleagues, delivering a stern warning. "If you guys try to do that, you'll figure out who the next person on Kevin's list is," he reportedly declared, alluding to McCarthy's covert list of prospective temporary speakers.

McHenry's ultimatum has thrust the Republican party into further disarray, as they grapple with a conundrum: the urgency of electing a new speaker and the inability to reach a consensus on the suitable candidate to secure the necessary votes.

McHenry's resistance to establishing a precedent that would empower future temporary speakers with the full authority of elected House speakers has the potential to reshape the House's dynamics.

If this precedent were to be set, it might render the election of speakers in the future unnecessary, thereby sparking contentious debates within the GOP.

Divided GOP debates Patrick McHenry's authority

The notion of endowing McHenry with more legislative authority is not a uniform concept among Republicans. While some debated whether McHenry's enhanced role could be established "by acclamation," others contemplated whether an internal vote would be necessary to formalize such a significant shift in power.

Contrarily, Rep Dave Joyce of Ohio put forth a formal resolution that would mandate a floor vote to bestow McHenry with the ability to maneuver crucial legislation, such as spending bills and aid packages for Ukraine and Israel.

In the eyes of one GOP lawmaker, McHenry's remarks appeared to be an implicit threat of resignation. This representative disclosed that McHenry had privately made a similar suggestion to individual members prior to addressing the broader conference.

Another GOP legislator believed that McHenry's message, though delivered "tongue in cheek," was quite clear. McHenry questioned the constitutionality of the proposed expansion of powers and expressed his reluctance to accept the added authority without a formal vote by the Republican caucus.

A third member who was present in the room emphasized McHenry's dedication to maintaining a constitutional approach. "McHenry will not act in a manner he interprets as unconstitutional" in his role as speaker pro tempore.

Internet erupts as Patrick McHenry contemplates resignation

The internet responded swiftly to the news of McHenry's potential resignation, and the consensus appears to be that the GOP is enduring a turbulent period marked by internal strife and a lack of cohesive governance.

Commentators on social media unleashed their opinions. One user on X exclaimed, "Damn. The house of cards is falling. Just when they were about to set McHenry as the Budget fall guy."

Another individual expressed exasperation, saying, "I rolled my eyes so hard I think I almost died. Good God, they suck in all the ways."

A third user seemed to express a glimmer of support for McHenry, remarking, "McHenry stands to emerge as the only adult in the GOP House…then he cops this attitude." Meanwhile, a more light-hearted response emerged with a user's hearty laughter: "Hahahaahaahaha. Awesome."

One user speculated on possible motives, saying, "Sounds like a plan by Speaker McCarthy and Jim Jordan to force him out and then have no other choice yet still holding government hostage."

As the Republican party grapples with internal divisions and the fate of McHenry's role hangs in the balance, the political landscape remains in a state of uncertainty, with consequences that could reverberate throughout the nation.

The 'house of cards' analogy, coined by internet users, seems to encapsulate the prevailing sentiment regarding the GOP's current state of affairs.