With Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) ouster from the role of House speaker — and no consensus pick to replace him — the chamber is operating with an acting speaker, and it’s unclear how much authority he has.
The speaker manages the House’s institutional business, including bringing up bills for votes. But it is widely accepted that Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.) does not have the full powers of a speaker who has been elected by House members.
