In a new twist of fate, House Speaker Mike Johnson finds himself facing increased jeopardy as another Republican signals alignment with a move to depose the GOP leader, prompted by his proposal to allocate aid to Ukraine and Israel.
Kentucky’s Thomas Massie, a fellow Republican, disclosed his support for hardliner Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bid to unseat Johnson during a confidential caucus gathering.
- Advertisement -
Massie, known for his criticism of aid to both Israel and Ukraine, affirmed to the press his endorsement of the removal threat, urging the incumbent speaker to step down.
“I refuse to resign,” countered Johnson, dismissing the challenge when confronted by reporters. “This does not worry me. I am fulfilling my duties.”
Discover More: US House to Vote on Israel, Ukraine Aid This Week Recently, Johnson received a vote of confidence from a pivotal figure within the Republican ranks, former President Donald Trump, who publicly expressed his support during a joint appearance at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump denounced attempts to depose the speaker as “regrettable.”
- Advertisement -
Greene, representing Georgia in the Republican party, indicated on Monday evening that she had yet to finalize her decision regarding the potential ousting.
The removal of a speaker requires a simple majority vote from present House members. Given recent departures and a slim majority, just three Republicans aligning with unified Democrats could spell Johnson’s downfall.
Narrow Margin “A tight majority presents significant governance challenges, but there’s little recourse,” remarked House Majority Leader Steve Scalise in response to the ousting threat.
Moderate Republicans emerging from the party’s assembly on Tuesday condemned Massie’s initiative, while some hardliners in the Freedom Caucus expressed reluctance to participate in the removal bid.
- Advertisement -
“I will not subject the nation to such turmoil,” asserted staunch conservative Ralph Norman.
The Republican majority, already divided, faced a tumultuous succession battle in October following the ousting of Johnson’s predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, by a minority faction.
At least one Democrat, Jared Moskowitz, affirmed on Tuesday his intention to defend Johnson.
“Massie seeks chaos,” Moskowitz stated on X, a social media platform. “I refuse to stand idly by. I am armed with resolve.”
- Advertisement -
Johnson revealed late Monday plans to conduct separate votes this week on additional aid for Israel and Ukraine, aiming to forge fragile alliances to expedite support for both embattled allies.
This maneuver could break a months-long Republican blockade on assistance to Kyiv while swiftly addressing Iran’s recent missile and drone strike on Israel.
Johnson and Scalise hinted at considering the inclusion of border security measures in the foreign aid bills, responding to demands from conference members.
- Advertisement -
Democratic leaders refrained from confirming whether they would intervene to shield Johnson from an ousting attempt. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring that Johnson’s proposal secures full funding, including humanitarian assistance, as outlined in the Senate-passed legislation.