Representative Lauren Boebert has criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for his changed position on providing aid to Ukraine. Johnson’s shift in position has caused concern among hard-right Republicans, who are opposed to the Senate’s approved $95 million bill package that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Johnson has announced plans to introduce three bills to fund America’s national security interests and allies, as well as the REPO Act, which allows the president to confiscate Russian assets. Boebert and other Republicans have voiced opposition to Johnson’s actions, with some even considering a motion to vacate him from his position.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican representative, initiated a motion to vacate Speaker Johnson last month, and this received support from Representative Thomas Massie. Greene, who opposes funding for Ukraine and prefers money to be allocated for the U.S.-Mexico border, introduced amendments to the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act that would require members of Congress who vote in favor of this Act to conscript in the Ukrainian military. Johnson is contemplating raising the threshold of votes required to vacate a speaker, which could be part of the bill package to be voted on soon, though this would be a reversal of what McCarthy agreed to in the past.
Despite presenting mixed messages on the issue, Johnson is facing pressure from hardline Republicans like Boebert and Matt Gaetz, who are considering vacating him if opposition escalates further. Johnson’s potential decision to change the threshold for vacating a speaker has added fuel to the fire, with Boebert calling it “a red line” that should not be crossed. Lawmakers have expressed frustration over Johnson’s stance on Ukraine aid, with some threatening to vacate him. However, Steven Moore, a former chief of staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, expressed support for Johnson’s efforts, noting that the far right of the Republican Party is promoting Russian propaganda.
The ongoing debate over aid to Ukraine highlights the divisions within the Republican Party, with hard-right members like Boebert and Greene opposing funding for Ukraine. Johnson’s stance on this issue has led to threats of a motion to vacate him, with tensions rising among lawmakers. The proposed bills to fund America’s national security interests and allies, as well as the REPO Act, have sparked controversy within the party. Johnson’s future as House Speaker remains uncertain as the debate over Ukraine aid continues to escalate. Despite the challenges he faces from within his party, Johnson has received some support for his efforts to provide aid to Ukraine and other allies in the region.
