House Democrats are willing to consider making a deal to help House Speaker Mike Johnson keep his job if Republican rebels move to oust him from leadership. Some Democrats believe their colleagues would support Johnson if he put legislation on foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel on the House floor for a vote. Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, indicated that he was unlikely to support removing Johnson from his position. Several Democrats are interested in a vote on Ukraine aid, as they believe Ukraine is in dire need of assistance.
Rep. Thomas Massie became the second GOP lawmaker to threaten to file a motion to remove Johnson from leadership, following Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Democrats do not necessarily have to vote against removing Johnson; they could simply choose not to show up for the vote, which could work in his favor. However, Johnson would likely need the help of a few Democrats to maintain his position, as the House GOP majority is razor-thin. Rep. Seth Moulton stated that Democrats are open to making a deal with Republicans, but it would need to come from Johnson.
Rep. Beyer suggested that there is a way forward for Johnson to make a deal with Democrats on a foreign aid plan, particularly in regards to Ukraine and Israel-Gaza aid. Johnson has been urged to consider the Senate’s $95 billion supplemental aid package for various regions, including Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and Gaza. At the same time, House Democrats have emphasized that simply allowing a vote on legislation would not be sufficient to strike a deal with them. Rep. Jared Moskowitz indicated that he would consider voting to table a motion to oust Johnson if it meant ensuring aid for allies and maintaining the world order.
While some Democrats are open to potentially saving Johnson from a vacate vote, Republicans are skeptical about the long-term implications. Massie believes that for every Democrat who comes to Johnson’s aid, he would lose more support within the GOP conference. Another GOP lawmaker suggested that if Democrats did save Johnson, it could significantly alter the dynamics within the House GOP conference and make it difficult for him to lead. The potential for a deal between Johnson and the Democrats is uncertain, but discussions are ongoing, and Johnson is under pressure to address the issue of foreign aid in a way that satisfies both sides.
