House Speaker Mike Johnson faced backlash from hardline conservatives after pushing for the passage of a major foreign aid package aimed at providing assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. The House returned to session following a weeklong recess, during which the aid package was passed. The decision to move the aid package was praised by both Republicans and Democrats for supporting key US allies. Johnson defended his leadership and stated that he will not resign, warning that a vote to oust him could cause chaos in the House. However, some conservatives, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, opposed the legislation and threatened to call for a vote on Johnson’s ouster if he does not resign.
Greene had filed a motion to vacate the speaker over a month ago 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 to remove Johnson. Despite the mounting pressure from conservatives, it remains uncertain when or if a vote will take place to decide Johnson’s political fate. Many Republicans have cautioned against an ouster vote, fearing it could create chaos within the House GOP conference, citing the contentious battle for a new speaker after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted last year.
Johnson expressed confidence in his leadership and stated that he was focused on doing his job and allowing the House to work its will. If a floor vote to oust Johnson were to occur, it would require a majority to succeed. There is an expectation on Capitol Hill that, in the aftermath of the passage of Ukraine aid, enough Democrats would be willing to cross the aisle for Johnson to prevail in such a vote. During the recess, Johnson attempted to address conservative opposition by highlighting his support for causes that resonate with the GOP base, including calling for the resignation of the president of Columbia University during a visit to the campus.
While Johnson faced criticism from some within the GOP, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who has been critical of Johnson’s leadership, he also received praise for his visit to Columbia University. The story continues to develop, with additional developments likely to impact the situation. Overall, the controversy surrounding Johnson’s decision to push for foreign aid and the subsequent threats of an ouster vote highlight the divisions within the Republican Party and the challenges faced by leadership in navigating internal disagreements.
