Nancy Pelosi Cuts a Deal With Rebel Democrats

Democratic rebels wanted new blood at the top and they're going to get it—but possibly not until 2022. In a deal with rebels that will pave the way for Nancy Pelosi's return as House speaker, she has agreed to limit her time in the role to a maximum of four years. "Over the summer, I made it clear that I see myself as a bridge to the next generation of leaders, a recognition of my continuing responsibility to mentor and advance new members into positions of power and responsibility in the House Democratic Caucus," Pelosi said in a statement, per the Washington Post. She said she plans to stick to the deal whether or not it is approved by the House caucus in a vote next year.

The deal limits House Democratic leaders to three terms when they are in the majority, or four if they win two-thirds support, Politico reports. It applies retroactively to 2007, meaning Pelosi deputies Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn can also serve no later than 2022 in their current positions. The deal immediately won the support of seven Democratic holdouts who had demanded an overhaul of House leadership, giving Pelosi enough votes to reclaim the gavel, the Hill reports. (Before the deal, the Jan. 3 vote had been seen as a "showdown.")