A $26 billion aid package for Israel was approved by the House of Representatives in a 366-58 vote, following the passage of several other foreign aid bills, including $61 billion for Ukraine. Lawmakers, however, remained uncertain if they were done for the day or if they were still required on the House floor. All eyes were on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had been threatening to introduce a resolution to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson. While Greene verbally criticized Johnson to the press, she did not introduce the resolution, likely because she would have lost the vote with Democrats supporting Johnson.
Despite Greene’s threats, no vote was taken on Johnson’s viability as speaker. The House did, however, take a “confidence” vote in Johnson with the Ukraine bill, even though many Republicans abandoned him on that measure. Johnson’s opponents believe that there will be public outrage over his actions, which will lead more Republicans to turn against him. House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Bob Good expressed disappointment with the current Republican leadership, with some representatives suffering from buyer’s remorse after the chaos of ousting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
Republicans are struggling with the constant turmoil and upheaval within their party, especially following the removal of McCarthy and the selection of Johnson as speaker. Many Republicans are feeling conflicted about the need for strong leadership versus wanting to decentralize power within the House. Despite calls for Johnson’s removal, the majority of House members supported the various foreign aid bills, demonstrating that the house is willing to let the will of the members prevail. This support for the bills, even from Republicans opposed to Johnson’s leadership, is one reason why he remains speaker for now.
There is a growing sentiment among House Republicans that support for Johnson is softening, but some believe that time may heal divisions within the party, while others fear that it may only open up old wounds. As the GOP strives to gain majority control of the House, members continue to grapple with contradictory positions on leadership and the structure of the House. Ultimately, Johnson’s survival as speaker is based on the House working its will and the willingness of members to support legislation, even if it goes against their feelings towards leadership. The dramatic events of the past weekend have revealed deep divisions within the Republican Party and uncertainty about the future of leadership in the House.
