But while Boehner is making a show of benevolence, allies say the Speaker has other, more discreet tools to get back at the lawmakers who led the coup effort — and an entire congressional session to use them.
Working with committee chairmen, Boehner could cut off their ability to travel abroad on congressional trips. His loyalists could also skip defectors when it comes to deciding who gets to sponsor legislation moving in the House.
The Speaker can also turn off the spigot of donations that flow from his large network of political contributors, depriving the dissidents of campaign cash.
“People have got to understand whether you play sports or have a military background like me, if you work as a team, you can be successful. If you work as 247 individuals, you’re going to be crushed,” said Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), a Boehner ally who’s been urging the Speaker to take more aggressive action against the defectors.
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