House GOP Leaders Struggle to Control the Floor

House Republican leaders were reminded last week how hard it is to manage the House with such a narrow majority. A small group of vulnerable Republicans opposed a labor bill, causing it to fail on the House floor. Their opposition also forced Speaker Mike Johnson to delay two other labor-related bills.

Many rank-and-file Republicans were frustrated, saying valuable floor time was wasted and questioning how effective the GOP’s vote-counting and whip operation really is. Speaker Johnson has publicly said Republican leadership has “total control” of the House, but leaders now admit they must do a better job counting votes before bringing bills to the floor. Johnson has also told members they must be present for every vote unless there is a life-or-death emergency.

The chaos on the floor could give Democrats an opening to use more discharge petitions, especially on labor issues that might win some Republican support. Last week’s events also suggest Republicans may struggle to pass major legislation—such as another budget reconciliation bill or healthcare measures—because, with such a slim majority, any single Republican member can effectively block action.