Democrat flags curious new clause in new GOP-led House rules changes

A Massachusetts Democrat flagged a change in the congressional rules that one reporter called a "big deal."

Reporter Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News cited Rep. Jim McGovern's concern over the new GOP rules package, which states that the speaker "cannot entertain a motion that the House suspend the rules except on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays."

Sherman recalled that the continuing resolution passed last month, which stopped a government shutdown before Christmas, was passed on a Friday, suspending the rules.

Republicans will be prevented from doing the same in the new Congress.

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As former Sen. Claire McCaskill pointed out Friday, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will face another funding deadline in March. At the same time, Johnson will lose three members of his caucus because they will be appointed to jobs in the new Donald Trump White House.

The date of the new government funding deadline is March 14, 2025 — a Friday.

Also, there is a new language that has changed the word "child" to be defined as "son or daughter."

The House will vote on the rules package in the coming hours.