Lack of Speaker poses unique challenge in Israel talks

The developing conflict in Israel is shining light on the House’s lack of a formal Speaker and posing a unique challenge for lawmakers as they try to determine if acting Speaker Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) can participate in intelligence briefings.

The U.S.’s role in the aftermath of Saturday’s surprise attack by Hamas against Israel is complicated by the lack of a permanent House leader. McHenry has limited abilities in his role as Speaker pro tempore, which he took on following last week’s historic vote ousting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), but House Republicans could vote to amend House rules and give McHenry more power.

Members of Congress are working to determine if McHenry will be included in the “Gang of Eight” briefings with other heads of both chambers and parties.

A source familiar with the matter told CNN that the White House would need to confirm whether McHenry would receive clearance to be part of the discussion. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

The House Intelligence Committee is in discussions about scheduling a classified briefing for next week on the Israel attacks, CNN reported.

The attacks on Israel bring into focus the state of flux the House is in after a week of back-and-forth conversations about who would ultimately be the next speaker.

Some Republicans are calling on their party to speed up negotiations and return to Washington, D.C., to vote on a new speaker immediately. Without a speaker in place, the House cannot pass emergency aid for Israel, or take other similar measures.

“In light of today’s attacks, we should be called back to DC & vote on a Speaker ASAP,” Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “We’ve all had a chance to discern between the two candidates. The nation & the world needs America’s Congress to be functioning.”

“Every hour brings more risk. I met with a Taiwan representative yesterday…they are anxious about our weakness. It’s time to step up folks & get back to leading,” Williams added.

Freshman Congressman Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.) criticized McCarthy’s removal online. He called for the House to reinstate McCarthy immediately.

“Removing @SpeakerMcCarthy from office, mid-term, was idiotic,” he posted on X. “Doing so as Israel faces an all out attack is dangerous. Uncertainty and chaos in the U.S. breeds vulnerability around the world.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday after the group launched a barrage of rocket strikes and entered the country in a surprise attack.

At least 250 Israelis and 232 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting so far, according to Israeli media reports and the Palestinian government.