Registering a “present” vote, or not voting at all, would lower the overall threshold needed to become Speaker. But the move also would allow Democrats — and particularly freshman — who were critical of Pelosi on the campaign trail to say they kept their promise.

Behind-the-scenes, Pelosi has already begun urging some of her critics to adopt that exact strategy on the House floor, according to lawmakers.

“Pelosi has released some members to vote no in caucus and then vote present on the House floor,” one Democratic member told The Hill.