Speaker Mike Johnson is facing challenges from within his own party as he tries to push legislation through the House to send aid to Israel and Ukraine while also facing threats to his own job. He has devised a strategy to bring together a mix of bipartisan coalitions and appease various factions in the House, allowing for opposition to some parts of the aid package without torpedoing the entire bill. The plan involves breaking down the $95 billion aid bill passed by the Senate into three separate pieces for the House to vote on individually, along with a fourth vote on other Republican-favored policies.
The strategy has faced pushback from many Republicans, including Representative Thomas Massie, who is joining efforts to remove Johnson from his position as speaker. Massie criticized the aid package, likening it to the desires of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. However, Johnson defended his approach, stating that it allows members of both parties to vote based on their district and beliefs, rather than being forced to accept or reject an all-encompassing foreign aid bill. The aim is to ensure that the Senate cannot selectively approve or reject pieces of the legislation.
Although some Republicans like Massie and conservative Representative Chip Roy have expressed concerns about the plan, it is unclear if others will support the effort to oust Johnson as speaker. Mainstream conservatives have rallied behind Johnson, emphasizing the importance of passing national security aid to protect U.S. interests in various regions. Johnson himself has vowed not to resign and views himself as a wartime speaker, emphasizing the challenges he faces in navigating the current political landscape.
Even bringing the aid package to a vote in the House floor may require Democratic support, given the mounting opposition from Republicans and the narrow majority held by Johnson’s party. Democrats have previously shown willingness to work with Republicans on critical issues, such as suspending the debt ceiling to avoid a default. Some Democrats have indicated their willingness to support Johnson if necessary, to prevent hard-right Republicans from removing him from his position as speaker.
Former President Donald Trump, who recently supported Johnson but has since disrupted his legislative agenda, offered measured comments on the situation. Trump acknowledged Johnson as a good person but did not express a specific stance on the current challenges facing the speaker. Johnson’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape, build bipartisan coalitions, and secure passage of the aid package will be critical in determining the outcome of the legislative effort in the House.
