In remarks to reporters, the speaker acknowledged restlessness among Republican lawmakers and argued an internal election to replace him at the helm would be a distraction. Those questions intensified in recent days after Ryan tried and failed to pass a farm bill — a casualty of an unrelated immigration standoff. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said Republicans don’t want Ryan to leave, but they want him to lead. The latest dustup is a familiar one, pitting the conservative House Freedom Caucus against more moderate Republicans over what to do on immigration. Just two months ago, Ryan announced he would step down, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Source: National Post May 22, 2018 23:13 UTC