Presented by Amazon.

Good morning Playbookers.

I'm Ragumo Navalin.

It's Friday.

Today's question, what's next for Kevin McArthur?

It's your Politico Playbook Daily Briefing.

The latest news, when it comes to Kevin McArthy this morning,

comes from our colleagues Olivia

Beavers, Jordan Carney, and Sarah Ferris, who note that McCarthy is now punting conference-wide

races for committee leadership slots until after his Speaker election on January 3rd, which could

incapacitate Republicans during a crucial planning period, virtually

guaranteeing a sluggish start for the new House majority.

McCarthy can't risk pissing off members who lose these races to run House committees.

The trio note, the downside of this delay is start days, if not weeks,

of uncertainty for GOP committees as they begin their stint in the majority. Some of the most

important panels, including those charged with tax writing and border security, won't be able

to prepare bills, T-up hearings, or even higher staff.

While some House committees already have uncontested leaders in place,

those chairs won't be able to choose their member lineup or potentially pay staff.

The GOP's subpoena power, too, will be frozen.

On the other hand, it's a good reminder that

as precarious as his position is, only McCarthy has the ability to tug at these house levers

...