Rep. Mike Johnson Retains House Speaker Position Amid Failed Oust Attempt
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., has managed to hold onto his position as House speaker after a failed attempt led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to remove him from the role. Rep. Johnson, speaking on "Fox & Friends," called the move "misguided" and emphasized the importance of House Republicans sticking together with their slim majority.
Despite facing challenges as a result of the smallest majority in U.S. history, Johnson expressed his commitment to advancing conservative policies and principles. He acknowledged that it is not always possible to achieve everything desired by a few demanding colleagues, but stressed that the party is fighting to get the job done, displaying leadership in challenging times.
Rep. Greene, R-Ga., had been threatening to force a vote on removing Johnson since late March, citing concerns about his handling of government funding and foreign aid. She surprised many by moving to force a vote on her motion to vacate the chair, which would have allowed for the vote to oust Johnson. However, her bluff was quickly called by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., who called for a vote on tabling Greene's motion, effectively ending any chance of Johnson's removal.
Greene managed to gather support from two additional Republican representatives, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., after Johnson successfully guided a foreign aid bill that included $61 billion for Ukraine along bipartisan lines. Johnson expressed that it was unfortunate the vote took place, but he appreciated the overwhelming support from colleagues to defeat the measure.
Highlighting the importance of a functioning Congress amidst conflicts, Johnson emphasized the potential risks of shutting down the House, particularly during times of global tensions. He urged Republicans to unite and move as a team, expressing confidence in Republican victories in the upcoming November elections. Johnson believes that the Republican majority will grow, the Senate will be taken back, and former President Donald Trump will return to the White House, enabling a significant shift in direction for the country.
During the table vote, which ultimately averted a vote on Greene's motion, Johnson gained immense bipartisan support. The measure passed by a margin of 359 to 43, with only 11 Republicans and 32 Democrats voting against tabling the motion. Rep. Greene, when asked if she planned to push for another vote, declined to provide a definitive answer but criticized Johnson for aligning with Democrats after their support helped save his position.
With a narrow majority of just two seats, any dissent along party lines could have resulted in Johnson's loss of the top House job. Past instances have shown that as few as eight House Republicans have voted alongside Democrats to oust a speaker. However, Johnson's ability to retain his position highlights the delicate balance within the House and the importance of party unity in the face of differing viewpoints.
As the political landscape remains unpredictable, all eyes are now on Johnson and his ability to navigate the challenges ahead, while maintaining unity within the Republican Party and advancing their conservative agenda.