When Congress reconvenes after a two-week recess, all eyes will be on House Speaker Mike Johnson as he faces numerous divisive issues with a slim Republican majority, including the stalled military aid package for Ukraine and deadlines related to renewing surveillance programs and reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration. Johnson is under pressure to pass new aid for Ukraine, but risks being deposed by the far-right led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who opposes Ukraine aid and focuses on U.S. border issues. Just five months into his role, Johnson is facing political and international pressure while navigating a fragile majority in the House that could remove him from the speakership.
Republican divisions over surveillance powers under FISA Section 702 could also impact Johnson’s position, with some conservatives demanding reforms to limit federal spying on Americans. Johnson is urging his conference to back a compromise bill that includes reforms to the surveillance powers. There are concerns that the Democratic-controlled Senate could push through a clean extension of surveillance powers if Republican infighting continues. The House could vote on the legislation soon following a classified briefing with intelligence officials.
Discussions around aid for Ukraine and Israel are ongoing, with Johnson facing pressure to link aid to policy conditions, such as tying Ukraine aid to the REPO Act, which would seize assets of Russian oligarchs to support the Ukrainian war effort. However, there is growing opposition to unconditional lethal aid to Israel, particularly after recent events in Gaza. Johnson may have to navigate these complex issues as he seeks to pass aid packages for both nations without further delay.
House Republicans are expected to present articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of immigration, but Democrats believe they have enough votes to quickly dismiss the articles. In the Senate, moderates like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema are expected to side with Democrats in dismissing the impeachment effort as political theater. Mayorkas’ handling of immigration issues has faced scrutiny, with Republicans calling for a full Senate trial despite Democratic opposition.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has added another issue for Congress to address, further complicating Johnson’s position. President Biden has called for funding for a new bridge, but the Freedom Caucus is demanding conditions for emergency federal funding, including cost offsets and restrictions on the use of funds for unrelated projects. This adds to the challenges Johnson faces in managing a divided Republican House while addressing urgent infrastructure needs following the bridge collapse.
Overall, Johnson is navigating a challenging landscape as house speaker, facing pressures from both within his party and from external factors. With critical issues like Ukraine aid, surveillance powers reform, and infrastructure funding on the table, Johnson’s ability to navigate these challenges and secure bipartisan support may determine the future of his speakership and the success of Congress in addressing key national issues.
