Mike Lee lays out demands for McConnell successor
The leader of an effort among conservative senators to shape the race to elect the next Senate GOP leader — and push the chamber further right — is finally putting his ideas down on paper.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) on Monday night laid out a series of proposals meant to decentralize power inside the Senate Republican Conference, taking it away from the office that outgoing Leader Mitch McConnell has occupied for nearly two decades.
In a letter sent to Senate Republican offices Monday night and obtained by Playbook, Lee doesn’t explicitly refer to his proposals as demands. But in the context of a hotly contested race to succeed McConnell between Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), the list will clearly be seen as a roadmap for winning the support of the roughly dozen conservative senators whom Lee is believed to be speaking for.
“We have the chance to strengthen the Senate, empower individual members, and ensure that the voices of the American people are heard once more,” Lee wrote.
The proposals largely have to do with Senate and GOP Conference procedures, not with particular policies. In that respect, they are similar to the demands that the hard-right House Freedom Caucus made last year ahead of Kevin McCarthy’s election as House speaker.
McCarthy indulged those demands to win election, including giving conservatives de facto control of the floor through prized spots on the House Rules Committee, and he immediately found it difficult to govern effectively. A small cadre of hard-liners forced him out nine months later.
The Senate has traditionally been more collegial, and more respectful of individual lawmakers’ rights. But frustration has grown over the past two decades as more and more power has been centralized in the party leadership suites, and conservatives have blamed that centralization for bipartisan deals that they despise. Lee has taken to calling it “uniparty” rule.
While Scott is seen as the most solicitous of conservatives in the race to succeed McConnell, his broader support is seen as limited. The more likely scenario is that the conservative bloc becomes a possible kingmaker in a second-ballot race involving Cornyn and Thune, who are seen as more natural heirs to McConnell’s leadership style.
Lee’s proposals can be seen as an initial bid to exert leverage in such a scenario. His ideas include:
- Requiring three-fourths of the Conference to agree before the leader can “fill the tree,” an increasingly frequent procedural maneuver by which a majority leader can effectively shut down potential amendments. “This would give individual members more say and restore the Senate as a place of genuine debate and negotiation,” said Lee, who has long pushed for a more open amendment process — along with many other senators of both parties.
- Require four weeks of debate and amendment for omnibus appropriations bills, the catchall packages that leaders tend to hash out behind closed doors then push through the House and Senate with minimal time for review or debate. “We know when the funding deadlines are; we set them,” wrote Lee. “We should have no problem setting a schedule for consideration four weeks in advance of that deadline.”
- Create a “floor schedule” at the outset of the legislative year for appropriations and stick to it — so that the chambers can fully debate and amend spending bills rather than consider them in a rush during the holidays, as has become customary.
- Confine the GOP whip to muscling votes only for positions that have majority support from the Republican Conference. Such a rule, Lee said, “would protect Republican leadership from ever being in the position of having to whip for legislation advancing Democrat priorities, as happens from time-to-time when must pass legislation is up against a critical deadline.”
- Lastly, propose “policy goals” and “specific strategies” to achieve them that Republicans should aim for during high-stakes negotiations — a nod to conservatives’ belief that they too often get rolled on priorities such as the debt ceiling and spending caps. Laying those out in advance, he wrote, “would give us a shared vision to rally around.”
Like this content? Sign up for POLITICO's Playbook newsletter.
Date: |
Topics
-
Entertainment - ABC News
Harris is still introducing herself as she sets out on media tour when people are already voting
Kamala Harris has three media appearances on Tuesday in New York7 minutes ago -
Health - ABC News
A peek inside human brain shows a way it cleans out waste
Researchers found a network of tiny waste-clearing channels in the brain.39 minutes ago -
Business - Financial Times
How luxury priced itself out of the market
There are signs that the luxury sector’s post-pandemic price rises have dented its appeal45 minutes ago -
Sports - CBS Sports
Rashee Rice injury update: Chiefs WR likely out for season despite getting positive long-term news, per report
Kansas City has a big hole to fill56 minutes ago - NFL -
Sports - Yahoo Sports
3 observations after Sixers blow out NZ Breakers in their preseason opener
Tyrese Maxey had a 15-point first quarter and the Sixers took a 139-84 win Monday night over the New Zealand Breakers in their preseason opener.3 hours ago -
Politics - NBC News
Harris undergoes a '60 Minutes' grilling as Trump sits it out
Vice President Kamala Harris for weeks was criticized for avoiding tough questions that came with long-form traditional media interviews.3 hours ago - Donald Trump -
World - Financial Times
Harris rules out bilateral talks with Putin on ending war in Ukraine
Democratic presidential candidate says Kyiv must be involved in any negotiations3 hours ago - Ukraine -
Top stories - CBS News
How North Carolina is getting out the vote after Helene
With less than one month to go until Election Day, the North Carolina State Board of Elections unanimously passed emergency measures Monday aimed at helping both election officials and voters ...4 hours ago -
Top stories - CBS News
How 60 Minutes found out Trump would not participate in election special
Voters will not hear directly from former President Donald Trump during the 60 Minutes election special. Trump, after initially accepting, later declined to participate.4 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Top stories - BBC News
‘I found out I had cervical cancer while I was pregnant’
Countries in sub-Saharan Africa have the highest cervical cancer rates in the world.4 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
‘Fear of missing out’ keeping girls and young women online despite sexism
Almost half of girls aged 11 to 21 in Girlguiding survey say sexism and misogyny makes them feel less safe. Girls and young women are seeing more unwanted sexual images and suffering more ...5 hours ago -
Sports - ESPN
Waiver wire: What WR options are out there to replace Nico Collins?
Eric Moody highlights the players fantasy managers should consider adding off the waiver wire for Week 5, including Jalen Tolbert and Caleb Williams.6 hours ago -
Top stories - ABC News
WATCH: Uncle of teen killed by Hamas speaks out
Elad Levy last heard from his niece Roni Eshel, an IDF lookout soldier, on the morning of Oct. 7th. A little over a month later, the IDF confirmed she was killed in the Hamas attack.7 hours ago -
World - ABC News
Albania's opposition protests and demands a caretaker Cabinet
Opposition supporters in Albania have protested again and demanded that the government be replaced by a technocratic caretaker Cabinet before next year’s parliamentary election7 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Costco gold bars are selling out as prices for the precious metal break records: Survey
Move over, gas and hot dogs. Costco shoppers are snatching up the store's 1-ounce gold bars despite the market's lofty price for the precious metal.8 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
Kane passed fit for England but Konsa, Mainoo and Gibbs-White are ruled out
Captain suffered injury scare for Bayern at the weekend Trio to miss Greece and Finland matches through injury Harry Kane has been given the green light to play for England following an injury ...8 hours ago -
Top stories - BBC News
Gibbs-White, Konsa and Mainoo out for England
England trio Morgan Gibbs-White, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo are ruled out of England's Nations League games in October.9 hours ago -
Top stories - BBC News
‘Daily challenge to get stories out of Gaza’ - BBC's Rushdi Abualouf
The BBC's Rushdi Abualouf sheds light on the challenges of reporting the war from inside and outside of Gaza.9 hours ago -
Sports - CBS Sports
NFL rookie WR grades through Week 5: Two 'A' grades handed out to top-50 overall selections
Malik Nabers sat out Week 5 recovering from a concussion10 hours ago - NFL -
Tech - ABC News
Judge rules the FTC can proceed with antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, tosses out few state claims
A federal judge said the Federal Trade Commission can proceed with its landmark antitrust lawsuit against Amazon10 hours ago -
World - Yahoo News
Ethiopia president replaced after falling out with PM
10 hours ago - Ethiopia -
Business - Financial Times
Water demand will soar because of wars and tech, says utility boss
Cox chief expects needs to rise at 10-15% rate a year as company seeks to raise €300mn on Madrid Stock Exchange13 hours ago -
Business - Financial Times
India bails out Maldives after president softens tilt towards China
$760mn currency swap lines cement New Delhi ties despite efforts to tilt archipelago towards Beijing13 hours ago - China -
Business - MarketWatch
These 12 stocks stand behind Goldman’s S&P 500 optimism — and Micron stands out
Goldman expects corporate profit margins to increase through 2026. These companies’ gross margins have already improved for four straight quarters.13 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
We must insist that out of the October 7 tragedy must come lasting peace | Jo-Ann Mort
Friends of mine in the Israeli peace camp express the hope that out of such great tragedy could come a peaceful resolution. October 7 is a day of mourning. For Israelis, it is a reminder they ...14 hours ago -
Tech - GameSpot
This Horror Game Plays Like The World's Scariest Game Show, And It's Out Today
October is the best month for horror games, as you can see in our October horror games roundup , and today we're adding a new one to the long list: 7 Minutes in Hell. Developed by Gaggle Studios, ...14 hours ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Family of Israeli hostage still held in Gaza speaks out one year after Oct. 7 attack
One year ago, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, including on the Nova Music Festival where more than 360 people were killed and 40 taken hostage. Omer Shem Tov had initially escaped but ...15 hours ago - Israel -
Sports - CBS Sports
Cowboys' Jourdan Lewis calls out Steelers' George Pickens after on-field altercation late in game: He's 'weak'
Dallas came away with a late victory in Pittsburgh on Sunday night15 hours ago - NFL -
Politics - The Hill
McConnell praises Israel’s 'unshakeable resolve' one year after Oct. 7 attacks
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) praised Israel’s “unshakeable resolve” to mark the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that left more than 1,200 people dead in ...16 hours ago - Israel -
Sports - Yahoo Sports
Hernández: Dodgers need Mookie Betts to snap out of his years-long postseason slump
Mookie Betts is at a loss for words as he begins another postseason mired in a slump that threatens to derail the Dodgers' World Series aspirations.18 hours ago -
Top stories - NBC News
Sen. Warren and Rep. Dean demand major food and beverage CEOs stop 'shrinkflation'
In letters sent to General Mills, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, the legislators asked the corporations to end their “pattern of profiteering.”19 hours ago
More from Politico
-
Politics - Politico
‘A temper tantrum from a deranged fanatic’
The latest filing from special counsel draws the wrath of Sen. Tom Cotton.Yesterday -
Politics - Politico
Senate Republicans’ strangely uneven spending map
The distribution of ad spending for Senate GOP candidates is highly lopsided, with a massive amount focused on Pennsylvania.Yesterday -
Politics - Politico
Johnson won't condemn Eric Trump comments blaming Dems for assassination tries
“I'm not going to parse the language of what people say at rallies,” Speaker Mike Johnson said.Yesterday - Donald Trump -
Politics - Politico
Capitol police chief: New intel bureau is key as Congress threats rise
4 days ago -
Politics - Politico
Biden: Congress 'may have to' come back to approve Helene relief
September 30 - Joe Biden