Many conservatives believed that with the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the GOP majority in the House would be able to advance key issues like border security and stop wasteful spending that is driving inflation and transferring wealth and resources from the American people to foreign nations.
But Johnson may be saved by Democratic support. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), in an interview with ABC News, praised Johnson for siding with the left in passing the multibillion-dollar aid package despite criticism from his own party. “I would actually vote to table any motion to vacate him,” Khanna stated, expressing her belief that fellow Democrats would side with her in protecting Johnson’s job.
The aid package that passed with the support of all 210 Democrats has become a point of controversy within the Republican Party, as it does nothing to secure the border here at home as the illegal immigration crisis continues to get worse.
Leading the charge against Johnson is Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a member of the House Freedom Caucus. Greene has accused the House speaker of betraying the United States and not caring about “our border, our jobs, our economy, or our national security.” She has vowed to continue her efforts to oust Johnson from the speakership.
Last night, as most Americans were sleeping, we officially lost control of the House when Democrats on the Rules committee crossed the Rubicon to help Mike Johnson pass billions of $’s to fund foreign wars.
I’m thankful to @RepThomasMassie & @RepGosar for cosponsoring my Motion… pic.twitter.com/ReJ9Pkvw9K
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) April 19, 2024
The growing discontent among conservative Republicans has led some, like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), to suggest that Johnson should “pre-announce his resignation” and allow the party to select a successor.
As the political turmoil continues, the potential for unlikely alliances has emerged. Before the vote on the House floor, Democrats in the chamber suggested they would consider helping Johnson retain the speakership if he advanced the Ukraine aid bill, while Republicans said they would consider supporting Greene’s motion to oust Johnson.
