Jan. 9, 2023: Speaker McCarthy's first governing test

The rules package that will govern how the House operates this session is scheduled for a vote this evening. It’s shaping up as Speaker Kevin McCarthy's first big test in governing what is shaping up to be an ungovernable Republican majority. 

The package is the closest thing to a contract drawn up between McCarthy and his internal critics. Alongside various side deals dealing with committee assignments, budget policy and other matters, the rules changes define the devolution of power away from leadership and towards the House Freedom Caucus. If tonight’s vote goes down, the entire project unravels.

And President Joe Biden will meet with Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador at the North American Leaders’ Summit in Mexico City – the pair are expected to talk through trade issues, drug trafficking, and migration. 

Playbook editor Mike DeBonis and  deputy editor Zack Stanton break down the day ahead in DC.

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Raghu Manavalan is the host and senior editor of POLITICO's Playbook Daily Briefing.
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