House Republicans Approve Rules Package in Test of McCarthy’s Ability to Govern with Slim Majority

House Republicans on Monday approved a rules package for the 118th Congress, the first test of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s ability to navigate his slim Republican majority. The vote was seen as McCarthy’s first test of whether he could govern with little margin for error.

McCarthy and his allies had to scramble to ensure they had enough support for the rules package after McCarthy’s concessions to GOP hardliners to win the gavel last week frustrated some centrist House Republicans. To secure the speakership, McCarthy granted concessions to the House GOP’s most militant conservative faction that will vastly increase their visibility and leverage in shaping the party’s agenda.

One of McCarthy’s first acts as speaker was to take a selfie with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the far-right conspiracy theorist and election denier who has emerged as one of his staunchest allies. McCarthy’s decision to embrace Greene is seen as a bet that the GOP can maintain broad enough electoral support to stay in power.

The rules package approved by House Republicans on Monday includes a number of changes that will make it easier for the GOP to pass legislation without Democratic support. It also includes a provision that would allow the House to vote on a resolution to strip Greene of her committee assignments if she continues to make controversial statements.

McCarthy’s decision to embrace Greene and the rules package approved by House Republicans on Monday will have long-term implications for the GOP. It remains to be seen whether McCarthy’s bet will pay off in the long run.