The Controversy Surrounding the Aid to Ukraine
The passing of new aid to Ukraine has sparked controversy within the Republican Party, with Marjorie Taylor Greene calling for the resignation of House Speaker Mike Johnson. Greene’s demand comes as a result of her strong opposition to the aid package and her belief that Johnson has betrayed Republican voters. In a statement made on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Greene stated, “Mike Johnson’s speakership is over. He needs to do the right thing and resign, allowing us to move forward in a controlled process. If he doesn’t do so, he will be vacated.”
Johnson’s Surprising Support for the Aid Bill
Johnson’s decision to support the foreign aid bill has surprised many, as he had previously resisted putting such a bill on the House floor. The $95 billion aid package includes $61 billion for Ukraine and its regional partners and received support from 210 Democrats and 101 Republicans. The bill is now set to be reviewed by the Senate, where final approval is expected to be granted this week.
The Threat to Johnson’s Speakership
Should Greene and her supporters follow through with their threat to force a vote on ousting Johnson as speaker, he will likely need to rely on Democrats to maintain his position. Greene is one of at least three Republicans who have expressed their support for removing Johnson from the speakership. However, given the slim majority Johnson holds, he cannot afford to lose any Republicans on a party-line vote.
The Democrats’ Role in Johnson’s Potential Removal
While Johnson maintains that he has not sought help from Democrats, senior Republicans believe that they will be able to count on support from across the aisle to swiftly defeat any motion to vacate the speaker’s chair. This belief may have bolstered Johnson’s confidence in moving forward with his plans. The stance of the Democrats regarding Johnson’s potential removal remains uncertain. However, there are indications that they may come to Johnson’s aid, especially after he defied his right flank by advancing a foreign aid package that closely aligns with a version previously passed by the Senate.
Support for Johnson from a Progressive Democrat
Representative Ro Khanna, a progressive Democrat, stated on ABC’s “This Week” that he would vote against a motion to remove Johnson from the speakership. Khanna explained, “I disagree with Speaker Johnson on many issues, and I’ve been very critical of him. But he did the right thing here, and he deserves to keep his job until the end of this term.” He added that not everything in politics needs to be transactional.
The Uncertain Future
Greene, who had initially held off on the motion to vacate on Saturday, claimed that she had been responsible throughout the process but hinted that the motion would eventually be made. “All of this was possible because of the betrayals of Mike Johnson,” she asserted. Johnson, however, dismissed the prospect of an ouster effort, stating, “I don’t walk around this building being worried about a motion to vacate. I have to do my job… I’ve done here what I believe to be the right thing to allow the House to work its will. And as I’ve said, you do the right thing, and you let the chips fall where they may.”
