House Drama: Democrats Protect Speaker Johnson from GOP Ouster
Warming up to Speaker Johnson
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has given new life to Speaker Mike Johnson, promising Democratic support to shield him from removal. This move has raised eyebrows among Republican conservatives, who can’t shake the feeling that it’s a clever game designed to provoke and test them.
Greene’s Unwavering Resistance
Leading the conservative resistance is Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose unwavering calls for Johnson’s ouster stem from his efforts to bridge the partisan divide, including bipartisan endeavors on government funding and foreign aid. Greene’s resolution to vacate the chair now has the backing of two other Republicans: Reps. Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar.
Democrats in the Spotlight
The Democratic pledge to block a vote on ousting Johnson has sent shockwaves through the Capitol. Several Republicans shared their doubts and suspicions, wondering if the Democrats were calculatingly trying to push Greene into forcing a vote on her resolution.
Conservative Skepticism
Some Republicans, such as Reps. Barry Moore and Ralph Norman, expressed their caution towards the Democratic offer. Moore suggested that it could be a deliberate ploy to trick Greene into forcing the vote, while Norman questioned the Democrats’ sudden interest in protecting Johnson, who they had voted against as Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s replacement in October.
Internal GOP Divisions
Despite Greene’s persistent efforts, her resolution has largely failed to gain traction within the Republican Party. Even members of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus have distanced themselves from the move, fearing the chaos and instability that could ensue as it did during McCarthy’s recent ouster.
Greene’s Next Move
If Greene intends to force the vote on her resolution, she will need to declare it as “privileged” on the House floor. This parliamentary maneuver would require House leaders to act on it within two legislative days. However, Greene has yet to reveal her plans.
Democratic Statement
In a joint statement, Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar affirmed their commitment to working with traditional Republicans to deliver tangible results. They also vowed to continue resisting the influence of “MAGA extremism” in the House.
Johnson Unfazed
Caught off guard by the Democrats’ surprise announcement, Johnson commented, “I have to do my job. We have to do what we believe to be the right thing. What the country needs right now is a functioning Congress.”
Greene’s Fiery Response
Greene responded to the Democrats’ statement on X, accusing Johnson of cutting “slimy back room deals” to secure their support. She questioned his allegiance to his party, calling him “the Democrat Speaker of the House.”
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
