(Source: MIRS.news, Published 10/31/2024) Fourteen House Democrats asked leadership Thursday that the caucus vote on several rule changes, including adopting the “Hastert Rule” when determining what gets taken up for a vote, having more caucus-elected leadership posts and using the same rule U.S. House Republicans used to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. 

Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) wrote in a letter dated Thursday that she would like the caucus to be able to adopt an updated set of rules that would apply for the remainder of the 2023-24 session and all the 2025-26 session. 

The caucus did not vote on updated rules when they elected to get behind Joe Tate (D-Detroit) as speaker nearly two years ago, Rheingans wrote. 

Another reform being proposed by the 14 members is a Rules Committee, although further details on what type of power the committee would have weren't provided. 

The requests are being viewed among the leadership ranks as a backdoor attempt to oust Speaker Tate who has agitated some members for not voting on more progressive policies. 

But those pushing for the changes tell MIRS that this has nothing to do with Tate's leadership position and everything to do with updating rules to create a more democratic approach to caucus operations. 

One letter signer also framed the proposed rules as items for discussion, as opposed to a firm set of proposals. 

Historically, the House Democrats have only elected their leader and the floor leader with a vote of 50 percent plus one. That leadership team then appoints the other leadership positions. House Republicans hold individual elections for all of their leadership posts. 

Under Thursday’s proposal, the Leader, Floor Leader, Speaker Pro Temp, Caucus Chair, Whip and House Appropriations Committee Chair (or minority vice chair) would be elected by the caucus. 

The members who win those posts would be charged with tapping their own deputies, vice chairs and assistants. 

Another proposed rule would allow any member to call for a vote of no confidence against a person in leadership. At a subsequent caucus meeting, a secret vote must be taken and if 50 percent plus one of the members elected and serving want that leader out, that person is out. This rule is similar to the rule U.S. House Republicans used to remove McCarthy in January.  

Also, the Rheingans 14 are suggesting a “Hastert” Rule that would allow a majority of caucus members to sink a bill that is set to be taken up on the floor for a vote. The Hastert rule is named after former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who popularized what had been accepted as common practice beforehand in prior caucuses in order to keep his leadership post. 

Other rules suggested include requiring a three-quarters super-majority caucus vote to create a “caucus position” on a bill. Those members who break the caucus position are subject to having their caucus services suspended, their leadership posts pulled and their committee assignments yanked. 

A member can also be kicked out of caucus by three-quarters of the members. The rules would require a two-thirds super majority to adopt them. 

Those signing the letter include Reps. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor), Emily E. Dievendorf (D-Lansing), Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor), Veronica A. Paiz (D-Harper Woods), Natalie Price (D-Berkley), Rheingans, Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City) and Mai Xiong (D-Warren).