Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, announced that he will not change the procedure for removing him from the speakership, despite calls from hardliners to raise the threshold required to trigger the procedure. Currently, any single member can force a floor vote on the motion to vacate the speaker, which has caused tension within the Republican party. Efforts to potentially oust Johnson have been led by conservative lawmakers, with Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene at the forefront. There has been intense speculation over Johnson’s future as a result of the proposed change to the rules around ousting the speaker.
Rank-and-file House Republicans had privately encouraged Johnson to insert language into the text of a rule for foreign aid bills to make it harder for any single member to trigger the motion to vacate. The House has finished floor action for the day, potentially setting the stage for Greene to make a motion to oust Johnson on Friday. If this motion is made, the House will have to consider it within two legislative days. A floor vote to oust Johnson would require a majority to succeed. House leadership will have to decide how to handle the issue, including the possibility of offering a motion to table the resolution.
Frustration and tensions were high in the House as far-right lawmakers surrounded Johnson on the House floor, imploring him not to raise the threshold on the motion to vacate. Greene warned Johnson against changing the threshold and refused to rule out moving to remove him on Thursday. Lawmakers also tried to persuade Johnson to change his course on the foreign aid bills, but the speaker was not receptive. The critical three-part supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan hangs in the balance as Democrats and Republicans remain divided on how to proceed.
The House Rules Committee is meeting to consider the foreign aid bills, with Democrats needed for the committee vote and on the floor to advance the rule. Democrats are divided on whether to support a Republican rule, with some arguing for bipartisan cooperation to deliver critical aid to Ukraine. However, others believe Republicans should pass their own rules. Many Democrats view Johnson as a more honest broker than some within the Republican party, despite not agreeing with him on many issues. This story is ongoing, with additional developments expected.
Overall, the tension between Speaker Johnson and conservative lawmakers over the motion to vacate highlights divisions within the Republican party and complicates efforts to pass crucial foreign aid bills. The House must navigate the politics involved in potential ousting of the speaker while also ensuring that important legislation is passed. Democratic support may be crucial for advancing the rule on foreign aid bills, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The ongoing debate and uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s future as speaker further illustrate the challenges facing Congress in a highly contentious political environment.
