Speaker Mike Johnson Learns His Fate

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) of the United States initiated a move to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-GA) after weeks of speculation.

Greene hinted at her intention to file a motion to remove herself from the chair, thereby opening up the Speakership if just one member filed the motion. Initially, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) abolished the rule, but in 2023, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) reinstated it as part of an agreement to retain his position. McCarthy was ultimately ousted from office last year under this criterion.

The Georgia congresswoman pointed to Johnson's failure to negotiate a significant border security measure before conceding to a $60 billion foreign aid package supported by Democratic leaders and President Biden. Ultimately, the package garnered approval with "yes" votes from all Democrats and half of the Republican conference.

"This is a Chuck Schumer House bill...a disaster," Greene expressed to Steve Bannon following the bill's passage. "This is something that every single Republican voter in the country is screaming against. This takes away every single ounce of strength and leverage that the House of Representatives have."

However, Johnson's position remains secure for the time being as the House swiftly moved to dismiss Greene's motion. With Democratic support, a subsequent motion to table Greene's proposal succeeded, passing by a vote of 359 to 43.

Greene aired her grievances during multiple meetings earlier in the week with Johnson and U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY). When Greene submitted her motion, the House was on the brink of adjournment, and her filing immediately triggered a two-day legislative countdown for GOP leaders to act.

Many House Republicans believed Greene's concerns had been addressed during the discussions, thus her action caught them off guard.

"I was shocked," remarked U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) to CNN.