Republican plan to empower temporary speaker is 'dead' after 'dismal' meeting: reports

A plan by House Republicans to empower Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) as temporary speaker of the House was declared "dead" on Thursday.

Republicans considered it during a contentious conference meeting that lasted hours.

"The vibes coming out of the House GOP conference meeting – entering its third hour – are dismal," The New Republic's Grace Segers reported. "Rep. Vern Buchanan just told reporters that, 'reading the room,' a resolution to empower McHenry is 'dead.'"

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CBS correspondent Scott McFarlane confirmed the report.

"Multiple House Republicans are telling us the resolution to temporarily empower Speaker Pro-Tem Patrick McHenry 'is dead.' Won't come to the floor for a vote," the reporter revealed. "Rep Jim Jordan (R-OH) will plow ahead and try to change the minds of the 22 (so far) defectors."

"They're nowhere," he added.