House Speaker Mike Johnson faced backlash from hardline conservatives after pushing to pass a major foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. Despite the objections, the aid package was passed and Johnson now has to deal with potential consequences. Upon the House returning from a weeklong recess, the question of whether Johnson will face a vote for his ouster looms over his leadership.
Despite facing opposition from conservatives, Johnson’s decision to move the aid package was met with praise from both Republicans and Democrats for assisting key US allies. Johnson has defended his leadership, refusing to resign and warning that his ouster could cause chaos in the House. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia criticized Johnson for betraying Republican voters and threatened to call a vote for his ouster if he doesn’t resign, although she was absent from the vote.
Greene filed a motion to vacate the speaker but has not taken further steps to force a vote. Two other House Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar, have publicly backed the effort. Johnson, however, has not spoken to Greene about her motion. Greene believes more House Republicans will support her in removing Johnson after hearing from their constituents over the recess, although it remains unclear when or if a vote will occur.
Many Republicans have cautioned against an ouster vote, fearing it could lead to chaos within the House GOP conference, citing the lengthy and contentious fight for a new speaker after Kevin McCarthy was ousted. Johnson remains focused on doing his job and allowing the House to work its will, believing that doing the right thing will lead to the right outcome. Despite the possibility of a vote to oust him, there is an expectation that Johnson would prevail with enough Democratic support.
During the recess, Johnson attempted to quell conservative opposition by highlighting his support for causes that align with the GOP base. He visited Columbia University and called for the university president to resign amid protests on campus, earning some praise from detractors within the GOP. Ultimately, the aftermath of the passage of aid to Ukraine may impact Johnson’s future as House Speaker, with ongoing developments shaping the political landscape in Congress.
