Key facts
- Some House Republicans are seeking waivers to continue serving as committee chairs beyond their term limits.
- The outcome of waiver requests could affect the passage of a farm bill.
- In 2010, both chairs seeking waivers were denied.
- A large number of waiver requests could lead to all being denied.
A debate is unfolding within the House Republican conference over granting waivers to committee chairs who are nearing the end of their term limits. Several members, including Representative Mike Rogers and Representative Glenn Thompson, are reportedly seeking exceptions to continue in their leadership positions. Representative Tim Scott, who supports term limits in principle, acknowledged that some friends are termed out and he would not support a waiver for them. Thompson's chief of staff, Matt Brennan, indicated that the chair is focused on the upcoming November election but will make his intentions known to the Steering Committee. The outcome of these waiver requests could have implications for legislative priorities, such as the passage of a farm bill. Some Republicans believe that if the GOP loses its majority in November, the issue might resolve itself as chairs would become ranking members. Others suggest that a high volume of waiver requests could lead to all of them being denied, a scenario that occurred in 2010 when both chairs seeking waivers were unsuccessful. Representative Tom Cole commented that the more people apply for waivers, the less likely any of them are to be granted, as it forces a choice between approving all or none.