Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is facing a pivotal decision about who will chair the House Rules Committee, a role central to shaping legislative priorities and ensuring party unity as Republicans navigate a slim majority in the next session.
Four Republican lawmakers—Reps. Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Chip Roy (Texas), Michelle Fischbach (Minn.), and Pete Sessions (Texas)—have expressed interest in the position, which falls under Johnson’s purview as Speaker to appoint. Johnson indicated he plans to make his selection over the holidays, with an official announcement expected early in the new year.
Four GOP contenders vie for leadership in shaping House legislative agenda
The decision involves weighing various factors, including seniority, political alignment, and gender, adding complexity to one of the Speaker’s early, high-stakes choices for the 119th Congress. Speaking to The Hill, Johnson acknowledged the intricacies of this selection process, describing it as “very complicated.”
As the final stop for contentious bills before reaching the House floor, the Rules Committee plays a crucial legislative role. Its chair oversees this process and often serves as a strategic partner to leadership.
Among the contenders, Foxx, the outgoing chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, is seen as a leading candidate. With nearly two decades in Congress and previous service on the Rules Committee, Foxx emphasized her experience as a key qualification during discussions with Johnson, which she described as “positive.”
However, Roy, a Freedom Caucus member known for challenging party leadership, is also vying for the role. Citing his expertise in crafting procedural rules, Roy argued his leadership could streamline legislative work ahead of floor debates. His candidacy, while considered a long shot, underscores a delicate balance for Johnson as he seeks to maintain support among conservative hardliners.
Fischbach, a lower-profile candidate, highlighted her Rules Committee experience and her readiness to lead as Republicans prepare for unified government under President-elect Trump. Meanwhile, Sessions, who previously chaired the committee, pointed to his history of managing relationships with influential conservatives as evidence of his capability to reprise the role.
Johnson has not yet indicated a preference, citing pressing legislative issues as the reason for the delay. However, considerations such as gender representation could play a decisive role, particularly since House Republicans are poised to have no female chairs for major committees in the next Congress. Choosing Foxx or Fischbach could address concerns about diversity among leadership positions.
The Speaker is expected to finalize the appointment shortly after Congress convenes. As Republicans await his decision, Democrats are also watching closely, with Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), the panel’s top Democrat, remarking on the stakes with a wry acknowledgment of the challenges ahead.
