Mike Johnson’s rule problem: Republicans lament ‘anarchy’ in House as precedent erodes

Published July 28, 2025 8:00am ET



The House of Representatives looks, operates, and negotiates much differently than it has within the last five years. The erosion of rules and precedent in committees, the numerous procedural votes held hostage on the floor, and last-minute bargains with small factions of the Republican conference have many lawmakers wondering what has happened to the historic body.

Some people blame the last two speakers, the incumbent Mike Johnson (R-LA) and his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, for giving members of the conservative, right-flank Freedom Caucus considerable sway over House procedure.

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