House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a conservative revolt led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after he helped push through a $1.2 trillion spending package with Democratic votes. Greene filed a motion to vacate, which could remove Johnson from office if approved by the House. Greene has not set a timeline for the vote but has initiated the process to elect a new speaker. Johnson’s spokesperson defended him, stating that he listens to members’ concerns and focuses on governing.
A motion to vacate allows a single lawmaker to introduce a resolution to declare the office of the Speaker vacant. This tool has a long history in the House but has rarely been used successfully. In October, Kevin McCarthy was removed as speaker through this process. Once the motion to vacate is introduced, a vote must be scheduled within two legislative days. If the resolution comes to a vote, a simple majority of the House, 218 votes, is needed to remove the Speaker.
Greene’s move to oust Johnson comes after months of friction within the Republican conference. Johnson’s conservative stance was welcomed by the more extreme members of the party, but Greene has been critical of his leadership. She warned Johnson against supporting a funding package for Ukraine, a move that has caused frustration among supporters of Ukraine. Some Republicans are crafting their own funding package, while others are trying to circumvent Johnson’s control through a discharge petition.
It is unclear if Greene’s resolution to remove Johnson would have enough support to pass. Some members, who voted to oust McCarthy, are hesitant to support Greene’s motion. They fear that another attempt to remove a GOP speaker could result in a win for Democrats in an election year. Additionally, many Republicans were embarrassed by McCarthy’s removal, which exposed deep party divisions and infighting, leaving their majority unable to function for weeks.
If Johnson is ousted, the speaker pro tempore, appointed by the sitting speaker, would hold an election for a new speaker. The House would vote until a candidate receives a majority of those present and voting. In McCarthy’s case, Rep. Patrick McHenry served as speaker pro tem until Johnson was elected. The process could result in further division within the party and uncertainty in House leadership.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions within the Republican Party and the challenges faced by House Speaker Mike Johnson. The outcome of Greene’s motion to vacate remains uncertain, but the potential implications could impact House leadership and the ability to address key issues such as funding for Ukraine. The House will need to navigate these challenges in the coming weeks as the situation unfolds.
